The temperature at which you can fly your drone depends on the manufacturer’s specifications. In general, you should not fly your drone in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hello, fellow drone operators! My name is Lavelle and I am a professional drone pilot and a long-time drone enthusiast. I own and have owned several models of drones and have flown them in both cold and hot temperatures.
In this article, I will cover the manufacturer’s recommendations for a few drones and give some insight into flying in extreme weather.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Don’t push your drone beyond the manufacturer’s specified limits.
- If you are going to fly in extreme temperatures, prepare your drone as much as possible.
- Give your drone frequent breaks whether flying in high or low temperatures.
Flying a Drone In High Temperature
The high temperature that you can fly in depends on each model and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For instance, I own a DJI Phantom 3 Advanced drone and DJI recommends that the drone not be flown in temperatures above 104℉.
Another example is from the Parrot Drone company, they list 104℉ as the maximum temperature to fly in as well.
This is because extreme heat can damage electrical components in your drone. The batteries also are susceptible to damage in hot weather.
Elements of high temperatures such as humidity and fog can cause functional issues for your drone. Do your best to protect your drone by keeping it cool and dry.
I have found that taking shorter flights and allowing my drones to cool off is a good practice.
You may also consider taking your battery out and allowing it to cool off as well or rotating batteries between flights if you have extra batteries available.
You should pay close attention to your controller (phone or tablet) to ensure it does not become overheated either.
Flying a Drone in Low Temperature
Most drone manufacturers agree that you should not fly your drones in sub-freezing temperatures (below 32℉). Extremely cold temperatures can, like extremely hot temperatures, cause your drone to malfunction while operating.
Elements of low temperatures such as moisture and snow can cause your drone to malfunction or to experience a power loss.
Therefore, flying in low temperatures should be done with extreme caution. You are also welcome to check out this post about how to fly a drone during the wintertime.
You should ensure that your batteries are fully charged before flying in low temperatures and have a clean, open takeoff and landing space prepared.
It is a good practice to also keep yourself and your controller equipment warm. You may consider having a place to retreat to for a warming session and then returning to the cold weather for another flight.
I have used tents and portable heaters as temporary warming stations when operating my drones in extremely cold temperatures.
FAQs
Here are a few answers to some of the frequently asked questions about drone temperature.
Can a Drone Fly-In Cold Weather?
Yes, you can fly a drone in cold weather. However, flying in cold temperatures should be done with caution and by following best practices.
Can You Fly Drone Below 32 Degrees?
It is recommended by most drone manufacturers to not fly in temperatures below 32℉. Flying in these extreme temperatures can cause damage to your drone or cause it to malfunction.
What is the Operating Temperature Range for Drones?
In general, the operating temperature range for most drones is between 32℉ and 104℉. Check with your drone’s manufacturer for specific limitations.
Final Thoughts
We all want our drones to function properly and part of our responsibility is to know the limits of our drones and to prepare before each flight.
If we take proper precautions and follow manufacturer specifications and recommendations, we can prolong the life of our drones and have some great experiences.
Have you ever flown your drone in extreme temperatures? Do you have any tips that might help drone owners to be ready for flying in hot or cold weather? Please share your experience in the comments below.
