Flying drones in cold weather can produce breathtaking aerial footage, snowy landscapes, and unique perspectives that are impossible to capture during other seasons. However, freezing temperatures, however, can pose additional challenges such as decreased battery life, slower motor operation, decreased sensor accuracy and increased safety concerns.

From the hobbyist and travel photographer to the commercial drone operator and content creator, it’s crucial for anyone flying a drone to grasp the impact of cold weather. The right preparation can ensure you preserve your investment and shoot smoother videos without expensive errors.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know before taking off in winter.

Why Cold Weather Puts Your Drone at Risk

Before you delve into tips for flying drones in cold weather, you need to understand the problems you will face. Let’s first know the challenges that you will face before trying out some tips on drone flying in cold weather. Most consumer and professional drones are powered using lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries, which harness power in a chemical reaction. These reactions slow down greatly in cold weather, raising the internal resistance and making it less efficient to power any devices. It is not a “small” problem as most LiPo batteries will only provide 80% of their stated capacity at 32°F. Performance is reduced to 50-60% at temperatures of 0°F or colder.

In addition to battery problems, there are other hazards associated with cold weather. Propeller ice can cause a decrease in lift and increase in drag. Sensitive electronics are susceptible to damage by moisture arising from snow or condensation. Plastic parts are more brittle and crack easily. Oh, and don’t forget about YOU, the pilot! Fingers can’t function normally, and no one can think clearly when flying.

Let’s move on to the tips you can do to ensure your winter flights are successful.

Tips for Battery Care When Flying Drones in Cold Weather

Pre-Heat Your Batteries Before Every Flight

That’s the one key thing to keep in mind when flying a drone in winter. To take off, batteries must come to a temperature between 60-80°F. I suggest either a battery warming blanket that was made specifically for drone use, or in the field keeping batteries inside the inner pocket of your jacket. Pouches containing chemical hand warmers can be used as well. Always avoid direct heat sources such as heat guns or hair dryers which may damage cells or cause thermal stress.

Keep Spare Batteries Warm at All Times

When shooting with more than one battery, be sure to keep the extra batteries in your camera bag warm. Make sure they are in an insulated case or in a pocket near the body. Some pilots have electronic hand warmers in their gear bag with the setting on low to keep temperatures at a reasonable level during the session. It is intended that spare batteries be stored at 59-77°F for best performance.

Expect 20-50% Shorter Flight Times

Make your missions accordingly. A battery that provides 25 minutes in the summer could provide only 12-15 minutes during the winter when it is really cold outside. Avoid taking chances. Set conservative flight plans and take double the number of batteries that you think you will need.

Never Drain Batteries Below 40% in Cold Weather

If it’s during the summer season, batteries could be taken down to 15-20% may be acceptable. That’s a recipe for disaster during the winter months. Under load, the voltage of a cold battery can decrease from 30% to 0% in seconds. Use a higher than normal low battery warning level, and begin your return-to-home sequence at 25-30% battery level.

Hover for 30-60 Seconds After Takeoff

Avoid jumping off the ramp. Do not jump off the ramp right away. After takeoff allow the drone to hover for approximately 1 minute. This enables the battery to heat up naturally from the discharge current generated internally. This brief warm-up period will be followed by an increase in performance and in more stable voltage readings.

Use Gentle Control Inputs

Cold air reduces battery life by the use of aggressive methods such as rapid ascents, sharp turns and full throttle punches that deplete batteries faster. Fly smoothly and conservatively. Like driving on ice, why would you hit the gas or snap the steering wheel? Same rule is in effect.

Know Your Drone’s Temperature Limits

The range of drones varies from one another. Consumer models from DJI normally operate at a minimum temperature of 32°F (0°C), and some enterprise drones such as DJI Matrice 350 RTK are equipped with built-in batteries heating systems that are automatically activated during cold temperatures. Do not exceed manufacturer’s limits and check the manufacturer’s specifications. Even with temperature as low as 32°F, some drones such as Skydio X10 will not allow launch.

Never Charge a Cold Battery

This is non-negotiable. Cold LiPo battery charging can lead to the plating of lithium and thus to capacity loss or safety risks. Never let batteries cool down by putting them back in the battery charger. This should only take about 30-60 minutes.

Pre-Flight Preparations for Flying Drones in Cold Weather

Check Weather Conditions Thoroughly

Don’t simply look at the temperature. Monitor the wind speed, weather predictions and cloudiness. If possible, do not fly in strong winds, rain or snow. Wherever there is visible moisture, icing can happen at air temperatures near or below freezing. Don’t forget—it may be colder at higher elevations than it is on the ground.

Inspect Your Drone for Damage

Plastic parts are more brittle in cold weather. Inspect propellers for cracks, chips or wear. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently brush or wipe propeller, sensors and camera lenses free of snow, frost and ice. Warm up test motors briefly by hovering in place for 30 seconds then listen for any unusual sounds.

Use a Landing Pad

Snow and damp surfaces are a breeding ground for moisture to get in the motors and electronics of your drone. Use a portable landing pad, or get a flat, hard surface for takeoff and landing. This simple step can save lots of heartache.

Plan Your Route Before Takeoff

Map out your flight path in advance. Do not fly over open water, forests or places where it is difficult to retrieve in case of an incident. Expect fewer daylight hours and create a shot list to get the most time in the air.

Ensure Strong GPS Signal

GPS may occasionally have difficulty reading the signals outdoors in cold weather or in cloudy skies. Do not take off until a good satellite lock is achieved. Your drone’s visual positioning systems can also fail in snowy conditions, if there is not enough visual contrast between the background and the drone.

Things To Keep in Mind During the Flight

Monitor Battery Voltage Continuously

Always check battery indicator. Under load conditions, the voltage sag can occur very quickly. Avoid waiting until the low battery warning shows up to begin making the trek home. Be proactive.

Watch for Ice Buildup on Propellers

Propeller ice is a very serious hazard. It will significantly decrease lift; increase drag and cause vibrations which can result in control problems and/or crashes. If there is any reduction in performance or unusual vibrations, stop and check props.

Fly Lower and Closer Than Usual

The wind is nearly always stronger at higher elevations. In cold weather bring the drone as low and as near as possible to the home base. This will not only save battery life but also the danger of losing your drone in case of accidents.

Avoid Bare Branches and Thin Objects

Winter is a time when trees are less leafed out, so the bare branches are more noticeable—and more hazardous. Thin objects, such as branches, utility lines and icicles, can be hard for your drone’s obstacle avoidance systems to detect. Keep them at a good distance away from you.

Be Cautious Around Reflective Snow

Highly reflective snow can cause obstruction of your camera for visual navigation and visual obstacle avoidance. Use extra caution when flying above areas covered with smooth snow wider than 30 feet.

Camera Settings for Winter Footage

Adjust Exposure for Snow

There is a tendency for images to look grey and dark when shot in auto mode with snow. The exposure system of your camera is fooled by the white snow, and underexposes the image. Take out +1 to +2 stops of exposure compensation to capture white snow in your photos.

Set White Balance Manually

Auto white balance can be disturbed by snowy conditions and cause cold, blue tones on your footage. Use manual white balance to achieve proper colors. I usually start with a daylight preset (around 5500K) and tweak from there.

Post-Flight Care for Flying Drones in Cold Weather

Wipe Down Your Drone Immediately

Snow, condensation or frost can get on your drone as it is flying. Thoroughly wipe down after landing to preserve the motors and electronics. Be sure to check the gimbal and camera lens.

Let Your Drone Acclimate Before Storage

After bringing your drone inside from the cold, don’t immediately open your case or bag. Allow to sit for 30-60 minutes for temperature to slowly equalize. This helps to keep condensation from settling in the drone’s electronics when warm air touches cold surfaces.

Bonus Tips for the Pilot

• Dress for the Cold.A cold, distracted pilot is a safety risk. Layer up, protect hands with gloves that will enable you to use the remote, and keep your clothing waterproof for comfort and concentration. Try using thin gloves that are suitable for touch screen or mitten covered gloves.
• Keep Your Mobile Device Warm.Your mobile phone or tablet is as cold intolerant as your drone’s batteries. Store in inside pocket when not in use and use a hand warmer or phone warmer to avoid unexpected shutdowns.
• Practice First.When flying in cold weather for the first time, begin with short flights in low altitudes in an open area. Test your drone to find out its performance, battery life and handling before you attempt any key missions.

Final Thoughts

Flying drones in cold weather isn’t just about surviving the conditions, it’s about thriving in them. Some of the most stunning aerial photos are taken in the winter months. In winter, snow covered peaks, frozen lakes, and misty forests make for photos that can only be captured during this season.

Winter flying requires respect though. These tips are from real-life experience and countless hours of trial and error. Do so and you’ll significantly cut down on the likelihood of a crash, battery failure and loss of footage. If you skip them, you’re risking expensive equipment.

Keep in mind that some people do not take as many risks as the best cold weather pilots. They are the ones who plan carefully, fly sensibly and know when to turn around and head for home. If conditions are too harsh, then it is not a bad thing to abort the mission. It will still be winter landscape tomorrow.

So, charge those batteries, warm them up correctly, dress appropriately and get out there. This is the time of year when the skies are calling and if you are prepared, you’ll record some footage that will make all the effort worthwhile.

Stay safe while flying and keep warm out there.