- Blog/
DJI Mini 3 and Weather (Explained for Beginners)
Table of Contents
With its compact design and recognizable looks, the DJI Mini 3 is bound to turn heads as it zooms by. But don’t let its small size fool you; this little guy packs a punch regarding features and performance.
DJI Mini 3 is not waterproof and, therefore, is not designed for flight in the rain. Even drizzle or snow can be detrimental to the life of your drone. The Mini 3 can handle a certain amount of wind, up to about 24 mph windspeeds, but caution is always advised.
Buckle up, grab your controller, and join us as we take a closer look at the DJI Mini 3 – the coolest way to see the world from above.
How does the DJI Mini 3 Handle Weather? #
Let’s examine a few weather conditions and their effects on the Mini 3.
Rainy Weather #
Rain can be a tough challenge for drones, and the DJI Mini 3 is no different.
In general, the DJI Mini 3 is not to be flown in rain or snow.
It is not waterproof and, therefore not designed for flight in the rain, but with the aid of a wetsuit, it can be flown in light rainy conditions.
These suits create a pressure seal that provides excellent water protection even in very high rain (although we recommend restricting it to light rain conditions).
Word in the skies is that the most trusted wetsuits are made by Phantom Rain.
You can view a test flight below:
You should also exercise the following safety precautions when flying:
-
Ensure flying in the rain is legal, where you are located, and you have the right permits.
-
Check all weather reports before the flight, including wind speed and gusts, to determine if flying is safe.
-
Ensure the drone and all accessories, such as the remote control, batteries, and propellers, are checked for any visible signs of water or other liquids.
-
Inspect the seals on the drone’s body to ensure there are no worn spots, holes, or obstructed areas.
-
Ensure the drone is fully charged and you have access to a dry place to store it when you’re not flying.
-
Bring a small towel or cloth to wipe down the drone if it gets wet.
-
Keep the drone moving, as it will help to prevent the water droplets from building up on the camera lens.
-
Use the obstacle feature to block the drone from hitting any objects in the rain.
The drone’s advanced stability features will ensure you can still get the shots you want in the rain, so get the footage that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Windy Conditions #
The DJI Mini 3 is equipped with powerful motors and advanced stabilization technology to help it fly stably in windy conditions.
The DJI mini 3 has a Level 5 wind resistance**,** which according to the National Weather Service, is the equivalent of wind speeds of between 19 to 24mph.
This is good to take note of when making preflight checks.
When flying in the wind, follow these tips.
-
Check weather reports/forecasts to make sure the wind speeds are within limits for the areas you wish to fly in.
-
Fly the drone as smoothly as possible to avoid sudden movements that could cause the drone to lose control.
-
Keep the drone at a lower altitude, as this will reduce the risk of the drone being pushed around by the wind.
Snowy Conditions #
The snow can be a fun and beautiful setting for drone photography, and the Mini 3 is perfect for it.
With its effective motors and state-of-the-art stability controls, this drone can easily and gracefully steer through light snowfalls or preferably right after when the skies are clear, and visibility is at its best.
So go ahead and capture stunning footage of winter landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and frozen lakes; the DJI Mini 3 has you covered.
Just make sure to take the same precautions above for flying in rainy conditions; we advise getting a wetsuit when flying in the winter.
Note: DJI does not recommend flights in rain or snow. Should you do so in light rain or snow, we advise flying in light winds not exceeding 15mph, wearing a wetsuit, and only for a very short period of time.
Make sure to plan the flight well before taking off and know what you want to capture and where you are at all times. Give yourself a time limit, and use it wisely!
Here are some more pointers for operating the Mini 3 in the snow:
-
Use propeller guards, as snow can clog the drone’s propellers, reducing its performance and causing damage.
-
Choose a flat or clear area for landing and take-off, as snow can create soft, uneven landing surfaces that may cause the drone to tip over.
Sunny and Clear Skies #
The sun can be both a blessing and a curse for drone pilots.
On the one hand, it provides plenty of light for your shots, but on the other hand, it can create glare and shadows that make it challenging to get good footage.
Fortunately, the Mini 3 has advanced lens filters that help to reduce glare and improve the quality of your shots.
When flying in the sun, take the following precautions:
-
Check for proper battery life to prevent the drone from running out of power mid-flight.
-
Ensure that the drone’s camera lens is not pointed directly at the sun to avoid damage to the camera and lens.
-
Always keep the drone in sight to avoid losing control and maintain situational awareness.
The DJI Mini 3 is ideal for flying in clear skies as it offers optimal visibility and stable flight conditions. This makes it ideal for capturing aerial photos and videos of landscapes, wildlife, and more.
Although the DJI Mini 3 is designed to be flown in various weather conditions, it’s best to consider the atmosphere outside before flying the drone.
Clear skies offer the best conditions for flying, while heavy rain, strong winds, and fog are not recommended.
We advise you to prioritize safety and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when flying the DJI Mini 3.
And there you have it, folks, the Mini 3 truly is the rugged little bird that could battle almost any weather conditions, proving big adventures can come in small packages.
Whether it’s a sunny or windy day, this tiny machine tells you that size doesn’t always matter. So why not grab yours today and let’s see what amazing experiences you can discover with this mighty mini!
References:PhantomRain.orgUAV Forecast