Do you get wetter from walking or running in the rain?

Question

I always run because I want to get out of the rain faster, but I wonder if I’m just running into more rain and actually ending up wetter…

In: 0

Answer 1

**The math is interesting**. This assumes no wind which can change the math.

* Walking (assume no “running into raindrops, all vertical fall connecting with horizontal surfaces)

There is less surface area (head, shoulders, swinging arms, tops of feet) but you are in the rain a longer time. **More water hits you because of the longer time**. This is perfect for an umbrella.

Wetness = surface area * rate of rainfall * time in rain

Lets say you are in the rain 5x longer than if you run.

* Running (assume you hit some raindrops with your front surface)

There is more surface area (front plus head, shoulders, swinging arms, tops of feet) but you are in the rain a shorter time. **less water hits you because of the shorter time**.

Wetness = surface area * rate of rainfall * time in rain

Lets say you are in the rain 1/5 as long as walking.

The surface area calculation and rate are now complex math as the front surface may get wet ad a different rate (based on running speed and rainfall speed). Lets guess you get approximately 2x more water but only for 1/5 as long, so you get less wet running.