Is the DJI Air 3S waterproof? Flying in rain and over water

No. The DJI Air 3S is not waterproof and has no IP rating. DJI's own FAQ says so, and adds that if it starts raining during a flight you should land as soon as possible and let the drone dry completely before using it again. You can fly over water with care, but you can't fly in rain or land on water.

DJI Air 3S and water — DJI says the Air 3S is not waterproof. Flying over water is possible with care, but rain or a dunk can ruin it.

Why rain is a problem

Open electronics. Motors, vents and ports aren't sealed. The controller isn't waterproof either.
Blind sensors. Water drops on the vision sensor glass and the LiDAR window stop obstacle sensing and positioning from working properly. DJI says not to fly in rain, smog or visibility under 100 m.
Wind comes with rain. The Air 3S is rated for wind up to 12 m/s, and storms often bring gusts above that.
Wet batteries can short.

More on this in can you fly a drone in the rain.

Flying over water safely

Lakes, beaches and boats are great Air 3S subjects. Fly them carefully:

Wait for a strong GPS lock and a recorded Home Point before you head out.
Stay high enough. DJI warns the downward vision system may not work properly over water, so the drone may not avoid the water below it when landing.
Watch the battery and turn back early, especially if the wind is blowing offshore.
Avoid low passes over waves. Spray and a sudden drop can catch you out.
Know the local rules for beaches and parks. See can you fly a drone at the beach.

The Air 3S's 70 mm camera helps here: you can frame boats and surfers from further away without flying low.

If your Air 3S gets wet

Don't power it on. Remove the battery right away. DJI warns that turning on a drone that has fallen in water may cause permanent damage.
Remove the microSD card and wipe the outside dry with a soft cloth.
Salt water is worse. It corrodes fast, so get the drone inspected quickly.
Skip the rice and the hair dryer. Rice doesn't remove water from inside, and heat can damage parts.
Get it inspected before flying again.

If it went in the water entirely, read drone fell in water and contact our repair team.

Does DJI Care Refresh cover water damage?

Yes. Care Refresh for the Air 3S covers accidental damage including water damage, for a $99 replacement fee in the US. It must be bought within 48 hours of activation. See Air 3S protection.

Need a drone for wet conditions?

DJI's consumer drones aren't water resistant. Enterprise drones like the Matrice 30T and Matrice 350 RTK carry an IP55 rating for work in rain, at a much higher price. For most pilots, the answer is to fly the DJI Air 3S in dry weather and add Care Refresh.