GoPro Operating Temperature: Max/Min Temp Tolerances

Understanding the correct GoPro operating temperature means that your camera won’t konk out during your adventure. Here are the temp ranges for operating, charging, mounting, and accessories.

The ideal GoPro operating temperature is 77°F (25°C). This is the temperature that GoPro uses to test all their batteries. The operating ambient GoPro temperature range is 14° F to 95° F (-10° C to 35° C). And GoPro batteries prefer warmer temp for charging.

GoPro Operating Temperature

While shooting in extreme temperatures can be challenging, it’s good to remember that GoPros have filmed inside volcanoes, in deserts, at the edge of space, and in Antarctica.

With some knowledge of the limitations (and some creative workarounds), you can shoot in extreme climates too.

Ideal GoPro Temperatures (Range, Charging, SD Card )

Here’s the summary of ideal temperatures and ranges for using and charging your GoPro camera.

• Ideal GoPro Operating Temperature: 77°F (25°C) This is the sweet spot for managing battery life and avoiding overheating. And this is the temperature that GoPro uses for testing battery life.
• GoPro Operating Temperature Range: 14° F to 95° F (-10° C to 35° C) This temperature range is the same from all the latest GoPro cameras – from the Hero12 Black back to the Hero6 Black.
• GoPro Charging Temperature Range: 32° F to 95° F (0° C to 35° C) GoPro batteries charge better when the ambient temperature is above freezing. The high temperature is the same for charging and operating. Here are some tips for better GoPro charging.
• Ideal SD Card Operating Temperature: -13ºF to 185ºF (-25ºC to 85ºC) This is a common temperature range for SD cards. But because of the number of manufacturers and types of cards, please check the specs for your specific type of SD card. In general, your memory card can withstand greater heat and cold than your GoPro.

High and low temperatures will cause your camera to use more power and drain the battery faster.

GoPro cameras can overheat even when within this temperature range. Here are factors affecting GoPro overheating problems and how to fix them.

6 Tricks to Manage GoPro Temperature Issues

Here’s how to manage extreme temperatures when filming.

1. Keep Camera and Battery Warm (Cold Temps): To fight against cold temperature battery drain, try to keep your gear as warm as possible. Sometimes I put my extra batteries in the inside pocket of my jacket. And my body heat keeps them
2. Use Protective Housing (Cold Temps): The housing can trap air can give some more insulation against the cold. In hot temperatures, you’ll want to avoid protective housing when possible. When using housing, don’t forget Anti-Fog inserts, to avoid condensation on the lens.
3. Use the Enduro Battery (Cold Temps): The Enduro battery was made for the Hero12 back to the Hero10 for cold temperatures. It is made for longer life at cold temperatures as low as14° F (-10° C).
4. Keep Camera Out of Direct Sunlight (Hot Temps)
5. Create Airflow (Hot Temps): Air cool your camera by filming on a bike, zipline, putting out the window while driving.
6. Update Firmware (Hot and Cold Temps): Some firmware updates directly address temperature management issues. And it never hurts to update your GoPro firmware, it will fix other issues as well.

4 Ways Temperature Affects GoPro

Here’s how temperature affects the GoPro camera, battery, mounts, and SD card. These are excerpts from the manual for the Hero12 Black.

• Camera: Avoid exposing your camera to very hot or cold temperatures. Extreme temperatures may temporarily shorten battery life or cause your camera to temporarily stop working properly. Avoid dramatic temperature or humidity changes as condensation may form on or within the camera.
• Batteries: Batteries have reduced capacity in cold weather. This affects older batteries even more. If you regularly shoot at low temperatures, replace batteries yearly for optimal performance.
• Mounts: Attach mounts in dry, room-temperature conditions. They won’t stick properly in cold or damp environments or on cold or damp surfaces.
• SD Card: Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see your card’s acceptable temperature range and other important information.

While it sounds temperature-based, a GoPro that freezes up is actually an internal glitch and not caused by cold weather.

Your Turn

How do you manage hot and cold ambient temperatures when filming with a GoPro? I would love to hear your tips and experiences.