Pickleball in winter can be a thrilling adventure. The crisp air, the thrill of keeping warm while running around the court—there’s a lot to love about cold-weather pickleball. But let’s be honest, it’s not all sunshine and chilly fun.
At some point, the cold can turn a fun game into an endurance test. Knowing when it’s too cold, how the chill affects your gear, and when it’s time to finally call it and head indoors will help you keep the game enjoyable, no matter the season.
When Is It Too Cold to Play Pickleball Outside?
The short answer: it depends. For most players, temperatures in the 40s are where the fun starts to freeze over. If it’s sunny with no wind, playing in the low 40s might still be enjoyable. But if there’s a biting wind, that 40 degrees can feel a lot more like “I’m going inside.” Most players agree that below 40—especially with wind or rain—is a no-go.
And then there are the truly brave. Some players have reported getting out on the court in temps as low as 15°F with snow blowing sideways! The catch? You need a lot of pickleballs—like, four or five each—because the cold makes them crack easily, and you’ll probably break all of them within an hour.
If your crew is game to bundle up and bring extra balls, go for it. Otherwise, mid-40s seems to be the consensus “time to head inside” mark.
Make sure to also read our guide on playing pickleball in the rain.
Effects of Temperature on Players & Gear
| Temperature Range | Effect on the Body | Effect on Pickleball Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Above 50°F | Comfortable, easy to stay warm while playing. | No major impact on paddles or balls. |
| 45-50°F | Slight chill, need to dress in light layers. | Balls may start to become slightly brittle. |
| 40-45°F | Noticeably colder, dress in layers to stay warm. | Balls become more prone to cracking; paddles may stiffen slightly. |
| 30-40°F | Hands and extremities can get cold quickly. Wind chill becomes a factor. | Balls are likely to crack frequently; paddles with Nomex cores may lose bounce. |
| 20-30°F | Very cold; hard to keep fingers and toes warm. | Balls crack easily, requiring multiple spares; paddles need to be stored indoors after play. |
| Below 20°F | Extremely cold; body movement is restricted by heavy clothing. | Balls will crack rapidly; paddles may become damaged if not stored properly indoors. |
How Cold Weather Affects Your Pickleball Gear
When playing in cold weather, you’ll notice your gear doesn’t quite perform the same. The biggest problem? The pickleballs themselves. Cold temperatures make plastic more brittle, especially below 45°F. Hard hitters often find that their pickleballs start cracking—sometimes four or more in a couple of hours when it’s really chilly out.
The balls are weakened by both the temperature and the repeated impacts on the court, especially around the holes. Storing your pickleballs at a warmer temperature before playing can help, but ultimately, it’s hard to avoid breakage completely in the cold.
One ball many pickleball players recommend for temps in the 40s and below is the Selkirk Pro S1. It truly is the most crack-resistant one.
- Outdoor play
- 0.93 oz.
- 38 holes
- USAPA-Approved
As for paddles, cold temperatures don’t impact them quite as drastically as they do the balls, but they can still make a difference. Paddles with a polypropylene core tend to be more durable in cold weather, while materials like Nomex may stiffen up and lose their bounce.
Also, be sure to store your paddles indoors to prevent any damage from prolonged exposure to freezing temps.
How Temperature Affects Senior Players
Cold temperatures can have a greater impact on senior players compared to younger players. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature, meaning that seniors may feel colder more quickly and have a harder time staying warm. Cold weather can also exacerbate joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis, which can make it uncomfortable to play for extended periods.
Additionally, the risk of slips and falls may increase when courts are icy or when mobility is affected by cold temperatures. Senior players should be especially mindful of dressing in warm layers, protecting their extremities, and taking breaks as needed to prevent any cold-related discomfort or injury.
When It’s Time to Move Indoors
Ultimately, the decision to head indoors is about comfort and safety. If temperatures are dipping below 40°F and there’s wind or rain, it’s probably time to switch to an indoor court.
Not only will it be warmer, but you’ll save yourself the hassle of broken balls, numb fingers, and the struggle of staying mobile in thick winter layers. And hey, pickleball is supposed to be fun—not a test of arctic survival skills!
So, if you’re determined to play outside this winter, layer up, bring plenty of balls, and make sure you’ve got the right gear for the job. But if the cold starts to sap the joy out of your game, don’t hesitate to head inside where it’s warm, the courts are clear, and you won’t need to worry about breaking all your pickleballs.
