DJI Mini 2 SE Wind Resistance (Explained)

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Wind resistance affects the stability of a drone in blustery weather.

DJI has some of the most efficient drones on the market, which you would expect to translate to the UAV’s capability to withstand high winds.

So, what is the wind resistance of the Mini 2 SE?

The DJI Mini 2 SE has a wind resistance of 10.7 m/s. Considering this number can go up to 12 m/s, it’s a good degree of wind resistance, especially considering the Mini 2 SE’s low price.

This guide to operating the Mini 2 SE in high winds will explain in more detail what kinds of conditions you can anticipate safe usage of this DJI drone and which you should avoid.

I’ve also got tips for safe flights in the wind with the Mini 2 SE!

What’s the wind resistance of the DJI Mini 2 SE? #

All drones receive a wind resistance score from 0 to 12, with a high number representing an ultra-wind-resistant drone.

The Mini 2 SE gets a 10.7 m/s, which is Level-5 wind resistance. This refers to its capability to withstand winds of 18.2 to 23.6 miles per hour (29 to 38 kilometers per hour).

The wind resistance of the Mini 2 SE is about average for drones in the Mini series.

Let’s compare the wind resistance of other drones in the DJI family to see how the Mini 2 SE stacks up.

DJI Drone****Top Wind Speed ResistanceAvata23.6 mph (38 kph)Mavic 3 Classic26.7 mph (43 kph)Mavic 326.7 mph (43 kph)Air 2S18.02 to 23.6 mph (29 to 38 kph)Mini SE18.02 to 23.6 mph (29 to 38 kph)Mini 218.02 to 23.6 mph (29 to 38 kph)Mini 323.6 mph (38 kph)Mini 3 Pro23.6 mph (38 kph)

For its age, the Mini 2 SE does fine in the wind. Its wind resistance has been usurped by newer drones both within and outside the Mini series, but that’s to be expected.

**» MORE: **DJI Mini 3 in Wind (Explained for Beginners)

Can the DJI Mini 2 SE resist high winds? #

The National Weather Service states that high winds are 40 to 57 mph. You’ll recall that the Mini 2 SE can handle winds no greater than 23.6 mph, so no, it can’t resist high winds.

Let’s talk about wind resistance and pushing the Mini 2 SE past its means in general.

**» MORE: **Best Cheap Drones for Wind Resistance

Wind resistance determines the top parameters your drone will still perform optimally.

In other words, once you fly in winds beyond 23.6 mph, you risk losing control of your drone. It could crash to the ground and otherwise behave unpredictably.

This is bad news for you, but more importantly, it could spell disaster for anyone in the vicinity. When you can’t control your drone, you can’t guarantee that it won’t collide with people or property.

You better have good drone insurance, or you could be forced to pay out of pocket for medical bills, site repairs, and attorney’s fees if anyone sues you.

The wind resistance rating of a drone is meant to be abided by. Even if you fly in a remote area where it’s just you and the open sky, you’re still at risk. You can crash your drone into the ground below.

It’s not so much about being an experienced pilot here. You can’t beat Mother Nature, and if she wants to smash your drone against the grass or rocks below when flying in high winds, that’s what will happen.

To keep your drone in one piece, don’t operate it in winds over 23.6 mph.

Plenty of great drone apps and resources on the marketplace measure wind levels so you don’t have to, with UAV Forecast one of my favorites.

The app tells you the precise wind speed, outdoor temperature, dew point, cloud cover, visibility in miles, and whether conditions are good for flying.

**» MORE: **Can a Drone Fly in Strong Winds? (With Flight Tips)

What affects the wind resistance of the DJI Mini 2 SE? #

Is there a reason the Mini 2 SE has lower wind resistance than other DJI drones? There sure is! Actually, there are several reasons, so let’s explore.

» MORE: Flying a Drone in Hot Weather (Things You Should Know)

Size #

If you had to guess whether a bigger or smaller drone would be more strongly affected by wind, which would you say?

The answer is the larger drone due to its increased surface area.

So, does this mean smaller drones always have higher wind resistance? Not necessarily.

Compare the Mini series drones to the DJI Mavic series, which are larger models. You’ll see that’s not the case.

That’s because size and weight are related.

Weight #

A lighter drone does not fare well in the wind compared to a heavier drone.

This isn’t exclusive to drones. You can’t fly a kite in strong winds, as it will get carried away!

A heavier object has more inertia, increasing its stability in higher winds.

A lighter drone lacks that inertia and can be affected by the strength of the gusts, struggling to land safely and giving the pilot a run for their money trying to maintain control.

» MORE: Best Drones Under 250 grams

Shape #

Drag impacts how well a drone performs in the wind, which is why DJI has shifted to a more streamlined, aerodynamically pleasing design for its drones.

There’s a large difference between how the Phantom and Mavic 3 look, which explains the Mavic 3’s exceptionally high wind resistance.

The more streamlined the design, the less drag it experiences, allowing it to easily glide through stronger winds.

Propeller and motor positioning #

Where a drone’s motor and propeller are installed is also impactful regarding its wind resistance.

The placement of these components can affect how well a drone generates lift. The easier a drone can achieve lift, the faster takeoffs will be.

You should also expect smooth, controlled flights.

Without lift, a drone can’t fight against wind gusts very well and will have a lower wind resistance rating.

» MORE: Drone Motors: 7 Answers You Should Know (For Beginners)

Software #

The software your drone runs can determine how wind-resistant it is. How, you ask?

A drone manufacturer worth its salt will program the UAV with software designed to combat moderate winds.

You should still fly your drone within its recommended wind resistance limits, but you have a bit more leeway, depending on the software.

» MORE: DJI Fly App for Android (Read This Before Downloading)

Sensors #

High-level sensors are sensitive to slight lateral positioning changes and will adjust in real time to improve drone stability.

DJI is one drone manufacturer with some of the best sensors in the game, which explains why they’re among the most expensive.

» MORE: What Are Downward Vision Sensors in Drones? (Explained for Beginners)

Thrust #

The degree of motor power your drone is capable of is another factor to consider in its wind resistance.

Stronger motors can increase drone speed against the wind for better handling.

Tips for safer flights with the DJI Mini 2 SE in high winds #

Ideally, the safest flight in high winds is one that never happens at all.

The Mini 2 SE is wind-resistant enough, but not for high-wind flights.

However, if you must fly in blustery conditions, the following tips will keep you safe.

» MORE: Drone Safety Features (All You Need to Know)

Bring extra batteries #

The additional effort a drone must put forth when flying in windy conditions drains your battery quickly.

You will not get the full flight time you usually do from your Mini 2 SE, so anticipate flying for less time and bringing several batteries so you can stay in the air.

Increase your flight distance #

Add several feet to the distance you can fly near objects under law when flying the Mini 2 SE in high winds.

This will give you extra leeway if you lose control. Crashes can still happen, and would likely destroy your drone, but at least you minimize your property damage risk.

» MORE: How Does Weather Affect the DJI Mini 2? (With 30 Tips)

Check your drone insurance #

Most states in the US don’t require drone pilots to have insurance. However, it’s always a good extra layer of protection, especially when flying in dangerous conditions like high winds.

Check that your policy covers damage from windy flights and confirm the policy is active before you take off.

» MORE: Drone Insurance Made Easy (For Pilots and Clients)