Camera drones are mainly used for breathtaking photography and aerial videography. For the best results, there are certain times of the day when the lighting is optimum for camera results. Also, you will have to find the perfect weather conditions as well. So, What is the best time to fly a drone?
Flying a drone during the day is best when the sun is shining and the winds are not too strong. Avoid flying in heavy rain, extremely hot or humid conditions. The best time to take aerial photos is the golden hour, or the blue hour, just before or after sunset.
Drone flying is just like any outdoor activity. Weather conditions play a significant role. Drones aren’t invincible and can be easily damaged by wind. Drones are also not waterproof so it is important that you consider the weather conditions before deciding whether to fly your drone or wait for better weather conditions.
Best time to fly your drone
Drone flying is becoming a more popular hobby for commercial and amateur pilots. This is a great way to have fun and make money.
Before you start to fly your drone and begin your career as a commercial drone pilot, consider the best conditions for drone flight. These considerations include the safety of your drone and others that affect the safety and security of people and property.
You can fly your drone any time you like, as long as there’s enough light for you to see it clearly and the weather is favorable for your drone to fly well.
Commercial drone pilots had been prohibited from flying drones at night, whereas recreational drone-flyers were allowed to fly drones at night. All of this has changed.
Recreational flyers can still fly at night provided that the drone is equipped with LED lighting. Commercial drone pilots can now fly at night without requiring a waiver. Commercial drones must have anti-collision lighting, which is different from recreational flying.
Although drone flying is legal at night, this may not be the best day for you to fly your drone, especially if it’s a beginner. This is because it’s easier to lose sight of your drone in the dark, even with all of its LED lights on. You must always be alert to your drone in order to avoid it hitting someone. This FAA rule applies to drone flights.
It’s best to fly your drone during daylight hours. This allows you to focus on the drone and spot any potential hazards.
However, there are times when certain hours of the day can be more appealing for a variety of reasons.
The Golden Hour and The Blue Hour
Although you can fly your drone at any hour of the day, some drone pilots prefer to fly drones at specific times of the day for the best photos.
The golden hour is an hour before sunset or right after sunrise. It is a great hour to capture aerial photography. Just like the evening light and dawn, the soft light of dawn makes for better photographs.
Drone pilots may also prefer to fly in the blue hour. This is an hour just after sunset or before sunrise. The sun’s light just above the horizon can be seen clearly, but it is soft and bluish, which produces amazing effects in photography.
Weather conditions
You need to consider weather conditions when flying your drone. This includes wind speed, rain, temperature, humidity, and even temperature. You won’t be capable of flying your drone well even if it is daytime and the sun is shining. You can also damage your drone if it rains, is too hot, or is humid.
Dry conditions with low winds and moderate temperatures are best for drone flight. If your drone is not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, avoid flying in rain, strong winds, or in temperatures too high or low.
Can you fly a drone in the rain?
There are no restrictions on whether you can fly your drone in the rain. There are some common-sense considerations you should make, especially when it concerns your drone. You need to consider how it might get damaged or even caused damage if it is flying on a wet day.
Most recreational drones are not waterproof or water-resistant. Although some drones are more water-resistant than others, that doesn’t mean they won’t be damaged if flown during a rainy day. It is best to avoid flying your drone in the rain, especially if you’re a recreational drone pilot.
There are commercial drones that can withstand water. Commercial drone pilots can fly their drones in the rain, provided that they are licensed. In case of doubt, you should avoid flying your drone in rain, regardless of how water-resistant your drone is and regardless of your status or certification as a drone pilot.
Is it possible to fly a drone in winter?
What about winter? You can still fly a drone in winter?
There is a possibility of snow falling during winter. Snow is simply water that has frozen. This can cause water damage to your drone, especially if it melts. It is best to not fly your drone in snow.
Battery life is another important factor to consider. Extreme weather conditions can cause performance problems for drone batteries. If it is particularly cold, your drone battery may not perform at its peak during winter. Many drone batteries won’t work properly below freezing temperatures.
Visibility is another issue. Winter days can be cloudier than normal, even though they are in the middle of the day. Visibility can be a problem as the drone can blend in with the sky or other gray areas. However, you must ensure that the drone is in your direct line of sight while flying.
If this is the case, you might not want to fly your drone in winter when it is dark and gray. This can create visibility problems for you. You should at the very least keep your drone visible from other people.
These are the main considerations to keep in mind when flying your drone in winter. You should keep the temperature below freezing and avoid snowing.