Hey everyone! I’m heading to Canada for the first time, and my first stop is going to be pretty cold.
Is it safe to fly the Mini 4 Pro in -15°C temperatures? Any tips for handling the cold?
- Battery drains faster, so expect shorter flight times and avoid BVLOS flights.
- Ice can build up on the props, especially in humid conditions. Some people wipe them with WD-40 or silicone spray to help prevent this.
- If you’re thinking of flying in places like Banff or other parks, be careful—drones are banned in conservation areas. Check local rules before flying.
@Toryn
I flew mine in Lapland at -22°C with no issues. The key is keeping the battery warm before takeoff.
DJI rates it down to -10°C, so at -15°C, you’re pushing it a bit. That said, I know someone who flew an original Air at -40°C, so it’s possible.
Keep batteries warm until you put them in, and don’t rely on the ‘time remaining’ indicator—it drops FAST in the cold. Always have an emergency landing spot in mind.
Also, your controller can be affected too. My iPad shut off mid-flight due to the cold once. Keeping visual line of sight (VLOS) is critical.
Make sure you know Canada’s drone laws, especially as a visitor. You don’t need a pilot certificate for a sub-250g drone, but be aware of restricted zones:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone
Check flight restrictions here:
According to DJI, the Mini 4 Pro is rated for -10°C to 40°C.
My Mini 4K dropped to 15 minutes of flight time at just -2°C, so expect even less at -15°C.
I’ve flown mine in sub-zero temps and didn’t notice any major issues. Battery life was still decent.
Hayes said:
I’ve flown mine in sub-zero temps and didn’t notice any major issues. Battery life was still decent.
Same here! My Air 3 handles cold just fine. I’ve flown in -15°F, and the battery was still at 80°F during the flight.
If it’s humid or foggy, ice can form on the propellers. Silicone spray works better than WD-40 for preventing buildup, but be mindful of its environmental impact.
Also, keep your batteries warm before AND after the flight—cold temps degrade them faster.
Keep your battery warm before takeoff, don’t fly too far, and keep flights short!
Expect a big drop in flight time and be on the lookout for ice on your props. I was flying in the mountains near Seattle and got a ‘motor overload’ warning. Turns out my propellers had frozen over. I got super lucky I didn’t lose my drone that day!
You should be fine. Here’s the official DJI specs: https://www.dji.com/mini-4-pro/specs.
Just make sure the dew point is at least 2°C lower than the actual temperature to avoid condensation issues.
I use dielectric grease on the props, and it works great. I’ve flown my Air 3 at -18°F, and flight time was about 80% of normal—roughly 25 minutes.
I live in Canada. If you’re driving to your flight spot, you’ll be fine. If you’re hiking, keep the drone inside your jacket to maintain battery warmth.
Also, fly against the wind on your way out so it’s easier to return home. If you fly with the wind on the way out, make sure you use less than half your battery so you have enough power to get back safely.
I fly in -20°C to -25°C all the time. No issues at all. I just sit in my car so I don’t freeze my fingers off.
The biggest thing is knowing the laws—Banff and most national parks prohibit takeoff and landing on their property, but Transport Canada controls the airspace, so you can technically take off from outside the park and still fly over it.
@Sage
Yeah, drones are banned in all national and provincial parks in Canada.
Thanks for all the advice, everyone! Appreciate it. 
The battery will drain super fast in that cold.
Zenith said:
The battery will drain super fast in that cold.
Not really—once the drone is in flight, the power draw keeps the batteries warm enough.