If your court feels like a sauna lately, you’re not imagining it. El Niño was declared in June 2026, and forecasts suggest it will keep strengthening through the second half of the year and linger into early 2027. The ASEAN climate outlook points to above-normal temperatures across most of Southeast Asia, while El Niño events are known to suppress monsoon rainfall in much of India, which tends to mean hotter, drier spells.
For pickleball players, that’s a real problem. Courts bake, reflected glare adds to the sun exposure from above, and even a casual rally session can turn into an endurance test. So before you head out, here are five things worth tossing into your bag.
1. Insulated Water Bottle and Electrolyte Packets
Hydration is the first line of defence, and plain water alone may not cut it when you’re sweating buckets. Electrolyte drinks help the body absorb and retain water more effectively, which matters when sweat is taking salts with it. Think of a large insulated bottle (around 1 litre) as your court-side lifeline, with a few electrolyte sachets stashed in your bag for refills.
The key is to start early. Hydrating only once you feel thirsty means you’re already behind.
2. Cooling Towel
This one is cheap, light and surprisingly effective. A cooling towel works through evaporation: wet it, wring it out, and drape it around your neck between games. It can help bring down core body temperature during breaks, which makes it a handy reset on long tournament days or clinics.
Bonus tip: keep it on the back of your neck or wrap it around your wrists. Those areas cool you down fastest.
3. UPF Clothing and Sun Sleeves
Sunscreen is great, but it sweats off. Clothing with UV protection fills the gap without the greasy feel. Look for UPF-rated tops made of lightweight, moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric, ideally with mesh panels so air can circulate rather than trap heat against your skin. Sun sleeves are another easy upgrade, and many are made to provide a cooling effect on the arms.
Also, go loose over tight. Compression gear traps heat, so save it for cooler weather.
4. Breathable Visor or Hat, Plus UV-Protective Sunglasses
Your head and eyes take a beating under tropical sun. A visor gives you the most airflow, while a wide-brimmed or UPF 50 hat offers more coverage. Some are even designed to be wetted for added cooling. Pair either one with UV-protective sunglasses, ideally with anti-fog treatment, to cut glare and protect your eyes. Proper eye protection is highly recommended for all players anyway.
5. Overgrips and Sweatbands
Heat means sweat, and sweat means a slippery paddle. A fresh overgrip and a pair of wristbands or a headband help keep moisture from messing with your game. The goal isn’t to stop sweating, because you need sweat to cool down. It’s to keep sweat from controlling how you play. Pack a spare overgrip or two, and a small towel to wipe your hands between points.
A Few More Tips
- Pick your hours. Play before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. whenever you can, and avoid the midday peak.
- Hydrate before you play. Start drinking water and electrolytes well before your first game, and keep sipping between points.
- Hunt for shade. Park your chair under a tree or bring a pop-up canopy, and treat shade like part of your equipment.
- Reapply sunscreen. In much of Asia, sunscreens rated SPF 50+ PA++++ are easy to find, and they’re a good partner to UV clothing. Just don’t rely on them alone.
- Cool down between games. Wet your hat, drape a cold towel on your neck, and hold something cold against your inner wrists for a few minutes if you can.
- Bring spare balls. Balls tend to soften in the heat, which can change how they bounce and fly.
- Know the warning signs. Dizziness, nausea, cramps or confusion are signals to stop, get into the shade, cool down and rehydrate, and seek medical help if symptoms don’t ease or get worse.
Here’s the bottom line: El Niño may be turning up the heat, but with the right gear, you can keep the game going without paying the price.
