Can DJI Drones fly in the Rain?
DJI stands for Da-Jiang Innovation Technology Company Limited, which made DJI Phantom drones one of the most popular consumer drones worldwide.
This makes them an obvious target for our website, which has thousands of articles about how to build the best drone possible at every price point—including under $100! Since people usually think only high-end DJI Phantoms are worth buying due to their top-notch cameras and reliable flight controls, they don’t realize that their $500+ UDI drones, which use the same flight controller and camera is DJI’s most expensive models, can easily outperform a Phantom often times its price.
Now let’s get back to the question at hand…
For reference throughout this article, we will focus on the top-rated DJI features such as obstacle avoidance and GPS positioning for accurate hovering outdoors. This is because these features are usually disabled in racing or “freestyle” drones since they rely more on the pilot’s skill to maintain control.
So, Can DJI Drones Fly in Rain?
The answer to this question really depends on how wet it is outside and how your drone is configured. Generally, if the rain is light enough that you wouldn’t get wet walking outside, then it’s also light enough for your drone to fly in. However, if the rain is heavy or there’s a lot of wind, then you will likely have to wait until it clears up before taking your drone out for a flight.
Another thing you need to consider is whether your drone has a water-resistant or waterproof shell. If it doesn’t, then you run the risk of damaging important electrical components if it gets wet. For this reason, many pilots will simply wait until they can fly their drone in optimal conditions, regardless of the rain.
Now that we understand the basics of how to answer this question, let’s take a look at some specific scenarios.
Also read: What drone does Casey Neistat use?
DJI Drones Fly-in Rain: Light to Moderate
If the rain is light enough that you wouldn’t get wet walking outside, then it’s also light enough for your drone to fly in. This means that DJI drones with Obstacle Avoidance and GPS Positioning should be able to fly without issue as long as you’re careful not to fly into large puddles.
DJI Drones Fly-in Rain: Heavier Rain or Windy Conditions
If the rain is heavier or there’s more wind, then you will likely have to wait until it clears up before taking your drone out for a flight.
DJI Drones Can Fly in Rain: Waterproof Shells and Proper Setup
Luckily, DJI builds its drones with waterproof hard cases that can help protect them from water damage if they fly through a medium amount of rain. This is why even though it might be raining outside, as long as the shell is on properly you should be fine flying your drone so long as the rain isn’t too heavy or there’s a lot of wind.
In order to enjoy these benefits, your drone must have a waterproof case. If it doesn’t, then the camera will get wet just like a regular non-waterproof camera, and it may even get damaged.
This is why many pilots will only fly in moderate rain, and avoid flying when there’s a lot of wind or heavy rain since this can cause problems with their drones that aren’t waterproofed.
If you just bought your first drone and want to know what we recommend for all budgets, check out our article on cheap drones. Finally, if you’re looking for the best drone at any price point, be sure to check out our ultimate guide.
I hope this helps answer your questions about whether DJI drones can fly in the rain! If you need additional information, feel free to leave a comment below.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article!
Happy Flying