DJI Air 2S Temperature Range (Explained)

DJI released the Air 2S, our preferred drone under $1,000, about a year ago. With the new MasterShots function, this multipurpose drone can shoot in 4K/60 FPS, record beautiful low-light photographs, and create breathtaking films.

What is its temperature range, though? Is it safe to fly in very hot or very cold conditions?

The Air 2S, like other DJI drones, can fly in temperatures ranging from 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C), according to the manufacturer. In reality, this drone that provides the most value for money is capable of flying in extremely hot or cold weather, such as that experienced during a snowstorm.

However, you should not test this at home due to the severe risks involved. Instead, read this article, since we have already done the hard work for you!

» MORE: Best Drones Under $1,000

Air 2S Temperature Range #

The operating temperatures of all key components of this unmanned aircraft system can be found in the Air 2S official manual. The documentation gives you some important information that you should always consider when flying in temperatures that are above or below those recommended to fly your drone.

Let’s have a look at its most important aspects.

Drone #

The aircraft itself can be operated in temperatures ranging from 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C). Therefore, the Air 2S does not achieve the required working temperatures for military-grade applications, which are -67° to 257° F (-55° to 125° C).

The drone performs admirably in extreme heat and cold, but keep in mind that the manufacturer does not encourage flying in those circumstances, so you will be solely responsible if something goes wrong.

Battery #

The Air 2S battery features a technology that prohibits it from charging if the temperature is not between 41 and 104° F (5 and 40° C). In other words, if it’s too hot or too cold, the battery won’t charge at all. This is to prevent damage to the battery.

Operating the battery at the right temperature will make it last longer, and prevent you from provoking any unwanted fires.

Controller #

As you may have guessed, the remote controller of your drone also has an operating temperature that you have to keep in mind. Luckily, this temperature is the same as the drone’s, so it is easy to remember.

Therefore, you can operate the Air 2S’s remote controller at temperatures between 32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C).

Does the DJI Air 2S have overheating issues? #

Let’s face it: DJI is the industry leader not only because they provide drones in a variety of price ranges, but also because their products include a level of reliability that is ideal for both beginners and experts.

After doing some research, I discovered a few comments from Air 2S customers who complained about their device overheating.  If you think you are having this issue, the simplest way to test it is to have your drone hover in an environment that is hot but not extremely so.

The reason for this is that there is no air moving through the drone when it is hovering, leading it to becoming warmer faster than usual.

The YouTube channel ‘Unboxed Adventure’ tried this method on a beach on a warm day, and the following are the things that we must take into account.

• The Air 2S (like other drones) will reach much higher temperatures much faster when hovering.
• After 25 minutes and 28 seconds of hovering while recording at 4K/60 FPS, at a temperature of 86° to 95° F (30° to 35° C), the battery reached a temperature of 136.2° F (57.9° C), which is still considered safe but not recommended (more on this later).
• When he started moving the drone in sports mode, the temperature kept climbing, even in a fairly windy environment.
• Did flying the drone next to the sea breeze prevented the aircraft from reaching higher temperatures? Although the battery kept climbing in temperature while flying it, it could have been higher without the sea breeze.
• The battery felt reasonably warm after the flight, but not burning (it can suffer combustion or explosions starting at around 158° F (70° C).
• The bottom of the drone was warm (as intended by design, as it acts as a heat sink).

Note: Please, read the sections on precautions and good battery practices at the bottom of the article for further information on how to avoid temperature-related issues.

Can the DJI Air 2S fly at low temperatures? #

It is not recommended by the Chinese manufacturer, but the DJI Air 2S can fly in snowfall, as proven by the YouTube channel 51 Drones (amongst others).

Although the drone was able to fly without problems, the author of the test noted that the flight time was significantly reduced, lasting only 15 minutes and 40 seconds in the air.

By comparison, the Mavic Air 2 stayed in flight for 25 minutes and 31 seconds during the summer temperatures.

Take a look at the video below.

It should be noted that the upper sensors and the camera AF (autofocus) of the Air 2S will be deactivated at 14° F (-10° C).

Note: Flying under weather conditions that are not within those recommended by the drone manufacturer, will void any warranty claims you may process in case of an accident.

DJI Air 2S weather precautions #

• Always operate the drone and the rest of the unmanned aircraft system components within the temperature range advised by the manufacturer.
• Avoid changing or recharging the Air 2S batteries when they are still hot from flying. Remember, they only charge when their temperature ranges from 41° to 104° F (5° to 40° C).
• When flying in extreme heat or cold, the battery capacity is considerably diminished. When the temperature is about 77° F (25 ° C), my DJI Mini 2 battery can last approximately 22 minutes; however, when the temperature is around 50° F (10° C), it only lasts about 15 minutes.
• The drone battery should not be used if the temperature is lower than 14° F (-10° C).
• When flying in cold temperatures, make sure you land the aircraft as soon as the low battery alert appears.
• Only fly when the battery temperature is above 68° F (20° C) to get the greatest drone performance.
• Keep in mind that the wind speed resistance will be lowered when flying in low-temperature situations.
• Wait until the batteries are at room temperature before charging them.
• The ideal charging temperature for batteries is between 72° to 83° F (22° to 28° C).
• When flying in extreme weather conditions, it is recommended to fly over areas where you can safely land in case of emergency. A lake in an extremely low-temperature location would be a clear example of a place to avoid flying.
• Before flying your drone, check the working temperatures of the device you are using to control it.

Good battery practices for high and low-temperature batteries #

In this section, I will present to you a few DJI recommendations to take into consideration when operating any intelligent flight batteries, including those employed by the Air 2S.

• The recommended operating temperature of intelligent flight batteries is between 77° to 104° F (25° to 40° C).
• The DJI Go and DJI Fly apps will display a warning when the battery is at a temperature greater than 122° F (50° C). In this situation, the aircraft will automatically reduce its power to lower the temperature.
• If the battery is not above 77° F (25° C), the aircraft will not be able to take off.
• During low-temperature flight conditions, both the DJI Go and DJI Fly app will display a notification when the battery is below 59° F (15° C).
• If the intelligent flight battery reaches 149° F (65° C), you should immediately bring the drone to the home point, avoiding aggressive flying, and land it.
• If an intelligent flight battery reaches a temperature of 158° F (70° C) it will be at high risk of combustion or explosion.
• Keep the batteries dry when you store them.
• If the battery reaches an extremely low temperature, it may rapidly discharge and lose power, causing an accident.
• When preparing to fly in low temperatures, keep the batteries close to your body to keep them warm until you’re ready for takeoff.

In most temperatures, the Air 2S is a capable drone, but one thing to keep in mind is that safety should always come first. As a result, don’t do something that I wouldn’t!

Are you as obsessed with drones as we are? There is always more where this came from on Droneblog, so keep reading!