Waterproof Drones: Are Any DJI Drones Water Resistant?
What waterproof and water resistant really mean for a drone, and what to buy if you work in wet conditions.
· 6 min read · Enterprise Systems Specialist
People often search for a waterproof drone, and the honest answer is that very few drones are fully waterproof. Most consumer drones, including every small DJI camera drone we sell, are not designed to get wet. A few enterprise aircraft carry an ingress protection rating that makes them water resistant. This guide explains what the ratings mean and what to buy if you fly in wet conditions.
Waterproof, water resistant and IP ratings
The terms are used loosely, so check the rating. An IP (ingress protection) rating has two digits: the first is protection against dust and solid objects, the second is protection against water. A higher second digit means better water protection, but a rating such as IP55 means protected against dust and low-pressure water jets, not that the drone can be submerged. Drones that are waterproof in the sense of floating or diving belong to a separate category and are not what we sell.
| Rating | Dust | Water | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP44 | Protected against solid objects over 1 mm | Splashing water from any direction | Light rain or splashes only |
| IP55 | Dust protected | Low-pressure water jets from any direction | Rain and wash-down, not submersion |
Water resistant drone and waterproof UAV options in our range
The most capable water resistant drone we supply, and the nearest thing to a waterproof UAV for inspection work, is the DJI Matrice 30T, rated IP55 with a radiometric thermal camera, a 12 MP wide camera and a 48 MP zoom camera. It is built for industrial and public-safety teams who cannot wait for perfect weather. The FLIR Vue TZ20 thermal payload has an IP44 rating, which handles splashes but not heavy rain. Browse the DJI Matrice range for other enterprise aircraft and check each product page for its rating.
Humid, coastal and dusty conditions
Water is not the only enemy. Salt air near the coast corrodes connectors and bearings, fine dust works into gimbals and fans, and humidity causes condensation inside a cold aircraft that is carried into a warm vehicle. After a coastal or dusty flight, wipe the aircraft with a slightly damp cloth, check the gimbal moves freely and let the drone dry fully before it goes back in its bag. Keep silica packs in the case and store batteries somewhere cool and dry.
Choosing for emergency services and inspections
Teams that respond to incidents or inspect assets in all weather should treat an ingress rating as a requirement, not a bonus. Pair a rated aircraft with a rated payload and spare batteries so a shower does not end the mission, and keep a protective case in the vehicle. For planning a purchase, our team can match the aircraft, payload and accessories to your conditions.
Consumer drones and water
Small camera drones such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro are not waterproof, and flying them in rain, spray or fog can damage the electronics. If you fly near water for filming, the risk is not only rain: a landing on water, a gust that pushes the drone down or a sea mist can end a flight and an aircraft. Plan return-to-home heights and flight paths so that a failure does not put the drone over open water.
How to protect a drone near water
- Check the forecast and do not fly in rain unless the aircraft is rated for it.
- Avoid launching from wet ground or sand that can get into the motors and gimbal.
- Keep the drone and batteries dry in a protective bag or case between flights.
- Wipe the aircraft down and let it dry fully after exposure to damp air.
- Use propeller guards near obstacles and keep a safe margin from water surfaces.
Do you need a waterproof drone?
If you inspect assets outdoors regularly, such as power lines, solar farms, pipelines or emergency scenes, an IP-rated aircraft like the Matrice 30T is worth the investment, because it keeps working when the weather turns. For hobby filming and travel, a small drone and careful planning is usually enough. Not sure which suits you? Use our quote form and tell us where and how you fly, or read the enterprise drones guide.
A note on water drones
The term water drone can mean an underwater or surface vehicle, which is a different product from a flying drone. We supply flying drones, payloads and accessories. If you need to inspect underwater, you need a specialist vehicle, and a flying drone can still help by surveying the shoreline and surrounding area from above.
Frequently asked questions
Are DJI drones waterproof?
Most are not. Small DJI camera drones are not designed to get wet. Some enterprise aircraft, such as the Matrice 30T, carry an IP rating for water resistance.
What does IP55 mean on a drone?
It means the drone is dust protected and resists low-pressure water jets from any direction. It does not mean it can be submerged.
Can I fly my drone in light rain?
Only if the manufacturer rates it for that. Otherwise avoid rain, spray and fog, which can damage the electronics.
Featured products
- DJI Matrice 30T – $14,917 AUD
- FLIR VUE TZ20 – $11,700 AUD
- DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise – $7,395 AUD
- DJI Mini 4 Pro – $949 AUD