Can You Play Pickleball in the Rain? 

a man runs through rain in pickleball shoes

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! 

a woman in a pickleball dress slips and falls in the rain

Is it safe to play pickleball in the rain? 

Well, that depends on several factors. 

First of all, are you willing to risk getting wet? If not, then playing pickleball in the rain probably isn’t for you. 

On the other hand, it might be worth considering if you don’t mind getting a little damp. Just be sure to wear a rainproof sports jacket or shorts.

Another factor to consider is how hard it is raining. 

If it’s just a light drizzle then chances are that playing pickleball won’t be too much of a problem. 

However, if it’s pouring down cats and dogs outside, then it might not be such a great idea—unless you like getting drenched! 

The biggest issue with playing pickleball in the rain is the risk of slipping on the court and injuring yourself.

A wet court sign on a pickleball court

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!

FAQ

Can pickleball paddles get wet? 


Yes, most pickleball paddles can get wet. However, paddle handle grip tape is often made of a tacky coating that will start to get really sticky if it is exposed to too much water.

If your paddle gets REALLY wet, it could warp and become difficult to use.

Will rain ruin your pickleball equipment? How does water affect pickleballs?


Pickleballs are made of hard plastic that is not affected by water, so they are safe to get wet.

As mentioned above, the handle of your paddle could get sticky when wet. As well, some nets will rust, sag, or loosen with rain. If you have a portable net set-up, it’s best to cover it or take it down in rainy weather.

How long do pickleball courts take to dry? 


Depending on the court surface, pickleball courts are useable almost immediately after it stops raining, but you can wait an hour to be extra safe.

The biggest danger is slipping on the slick court surface from the rain, but this is usually only a problem on clay or soft carpet courts.

How long after rain can you play pickleball


You can play pickleball immediately after it rains, but it’s best to wait an hour just to be safe.

Can playing pickleball in the rain cause injuries?


Yes, playing pickleball in the rain can cause injuries, but it’s not a huge issue if you’re extra careful.

Most injuries caused by playing pickleball in the rain are minor, like scrapes and bruises from slipping, but they could be more serious if you take a bad tumble or trip due to low visibility from the rain.

How to avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain 


To avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain, be sure to use extra caution when playing a match. Wear proper footwear (pickleball shoes), be sure the surface isn’t slick or slippery, and check to make sure the visibility is strong.

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