As a general aviation pilot, I would like not to penetrate a cumulonimbus cloud any more than I would like to penetrate a thunderstorm.

I have lots of gear on board to detect lightning and precipitation of all forms. I am wondering if you can have a CB without lightning and/or precipitation. Then that creates issues flying in clouds with imbedded CBs.

And how much different might they be in different climates. For example a CB in the arid rockie states vs. a more damp climate in the southeast U.S.

thanks very much.