Despite is normally followed by a noun, pronoun or -ing form.
- Despite the rain, we went outside.
- Despite being tired, she continued working.
- Despite his age, he remained active.
Although is followed by a clause containing a subject and verb.
- Although it was raining, we went outside.
- Although she was tired, she continued working.
- Although he was young, he was experienced.
Important mistake to avoid
Do not normally write:
Despite it was raining…
Instead, write:
Despite the rain…
or:
Although it was raining…