Yes, many street benches do—but the drainage design is not always a single round hole in the middle of the seat. The goal is the same: prevent rainwater from pooling on the surface and keep the bench dry enough to sit on shortly after a shower.
Most public benches manage water with slatted construction. Wooden, metal, or recycled plastic slats are spaced with small gaps between them. Those gaps work like drainage channels. Rain runs through the openings instead of forming puddles, and airflow under the slats helps the seat dry faster. This is one reason slatted park benches are so common in wet climates.
Some molded metal, fiberglass, or plastic benches use a different approach. The seat is often shaped with a subtle slope from the back edge toward the front edge, so water flows off naturally. In low spots where water could still collect, manufacturers may add small drain holes or slots. These are intentionally placed at the lowest point of the seat pan to let trapped water escape.
That said, not every bench has visible drainage holes. Older solid wood benches, concrete benches, or inexpensive flat-seat models may hold water, especially if the surface has worn into shallow dips or if the drainage gaps are clogged with leaves and dirt. Regular cleaning helps, but if the design is flat and solid, some water pooling is likely.
If you are choosing or maintaining a street bench, look for open slats, a slight seat slope, or visible drain openings. Those features are the most reliable way to avoid the unpleasant surprise of sitting in a puddle after light rain.