Can You Play Pickleball in the Rain? 

If you’ve ever been stuck inside on a rainy day wishing you could be out playing pickleball with your friends, then this blog post is for you. 

Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball fan or just getting into the game, there’s no denying that pickleball is a great way to stay active and enjoy some friendly competition. 

But what happens when you’ve got a matched planned and you’re faced with less-than-ideal conditions?

Can you still play pickleball in the rain? 

Let’s find out! 

Is it safe to play pickleball in the rain? 

First off, you gotta ask yourself if you’re okay with getting wet. If you’re not into that, then pickleball in the rain might not be your jam.

But if a bit of rain doesn’t bother you, then why not? Just make sure to toss on a waterproof jacket or shorts.

Now, the intensity of the rain definitely plays a role.

A light sprinkle? You’re probably good to go for a game of pickleball without much fuss.

But if it’s coming down hard, think twice. Unless you’re into the idea of a soaking wet game, it might be wise to sit this one out.

The real deal breaker with rain and pickleball is the slip factor. Wet courts are slippery courts, and that’s where the risk of taking a tumble comes into play.

Can you play pickleball on a wet court?

It’s important to consider the surface on which you’ll be playing.

Most outdoor courts have some kind of drainage system so they should be fine even in heavy rain—but check the weather forecast first before heading out. 

Clay courts specifically do not hold up well when wet. Neither does polyurethane. 

If the court surface is concrete or asphalt, it should be safe to play on and not too slippery (unless the rainfall is REALLY heavy). 

You should also be careful on carpet courts, which can get dangerously soft and uneven in wet conditions, and hard courts, which are usually covered in an acrylic surface and quite slippery. 

Final tips on playing pickleball in the rain 

So can you play pickleball in the rain? Technically, yes, but you should be careful. Certain court surfaces can be quite slippery (like clay).

Heavy rain could also limit your visibility of your opponent and your surroundings. 

The one pro to playing pickleball in the rain?

You’ll have the courts all to yourselves! And with the incredible popularity of pickleball in 2023, that almost never happens. 

My advice for a rainy day is to head inside for an indoor pickleball game or find an alternative activity.

You could take the time to stretch (if you’re like me, you need to stretch more often, but always forget to), practice pickleball drills alone, or do a small task you’ve been putting off—like giving your pickleball paddle a quick facelift with new grip tape.

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It can actually be quite fun to pickle in the rain – as long as you take proper safety precautions, dress for the weather, and ensure that your court surface is suitable for wet weather play. 

So next time it rains, why not grab your racket and head out for a game?

After all, you can almost be certain that no one else will be on the courts already!

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