DJI rates the DJI Air 3S to operate from -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F). Below -10° C the battery can't be used, and between -10° and 5° C (14° to 41° F) its capacity drops sharply. Batteries only charge between 5° and 40° C (41° to 104° F), and DJI recommends warming a battery to at least 10° C (50° F) before a cold-weather takeoff.
Flying in cold weather
Cold is the bigger risk. Lithium-ion cells deliver less power when cold, so voltage sags under load and flight time shrinks. DJI's guidance for the Air 3S:
- Fully charge the battery before takeoff.
- Warm the battery to at least 10° C (50° F), ideally above 20° C (68° F). An inside pocket or a warm car works.
- Hover for a short while after takeoff to let the battery warm up.
- Expect less wind resistance. DJI notes reduced cold-weather capacity also reduces how well the drone handles wind.
- Be extra careful at high elevation, where cold and thin air combine.
More cold-weather habits:
- Land earlier than usual and come back with a bigger reserve.
- Let a cold drone warm up in its bag before opening it indoors, to limit condensation.
- Don't fly in snow, sleet or icing conditions. The Air 3S isn't waterproof.
Our flying a drone in cold weather guide has more.
Flying in hot weather
The Air 3S is rated up to 40° C (104° F).
- Don't charge a hot battery. It won't charge above 40° C, and charging stops if the cells pass 55° C. Let it cool in the shade first.
- Keep the drone out of direct sun between flights, and never in a closed car in summer.
- Motors get hot. Don't touch them right after landing. DJI notes the front motors normally run warmer than the rear.
- Watch your phone. Phones overheat and dim long before the drone does. A DJI RC 2 helps.
- Expect shorter flights in hot, high places, where the air is thin.
Charging and storage temperatures
| Situation | DJI's guidance |
|---|---|
| Charging | 5° to 40° C; ideal 22° to 28° C (71.6° to 82.4° F) |
| Long-term storage (over 3 months) | 22° to 28° C |
| Never store outside | -10° to 45° C (14° to 113° F) |
Charging is fastest in a well-ventilated room around 25° C (77° F). Store batteries partly charged in a cool, dry place. See drone battery care.
Is the Air 3 any different?
No. The Air 3 has the same -10° to 40° C operating range and 5° to 40° C charging range, and the two drones share batteries.
Flying in winter? Keep a spare Air 3S battery warm in an inside pocket and swap early. See Air 3S battery life for planning, or the DJI Air 3S for full specs.
Related guides
- DJI Air 3 operating temperature: flying in heat and cold
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro operating temperature: flying in heat and cold
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro operating temperature: flying in heat and cold
- DJI Mini 3 operating temperature: flying in heat and cold
- DJI Mini 4 Pro operating temperature: flying in heat and cold
- DJI Mini 5 Pro operating temperature: flying in heat and cold
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