Key Takeaways
Skydiving through clouds might sound epic, but it’s actually prohibited by the FAA. Clouds block visibility – and sight is pretty essential for safety in the sky. The best skydiving weather is clear, calm, and comfortable: blue skies, light winds, and moderate temperatures. On the flip side, clouds, gusty winds, and extreme temperatures don’t make for enjoyable jumping conditions.
Weather holds are AN-NOY-ING to say the least. Why can’t we jump during any weather? Shouldn’t our skydiving gear be able to handle it? Well, as advanced as skydiving gear is, it can’t go through everything – just like how a house can’t endure a tornado!
What weather is best for skydiving? Let’s talk a bit about the best skydiving weather and what weather conditions prohibit us from taking the leap.
Can You Skydive Through A Cloud?
Nope, skydiving through clouds is prohibited. Why is it illegal to skydive through a cloud? In simple terms, clouds obstruct our view and automatically disable us from keeping safety at the forefront, which is a critical aspect of skydiving culture.
Does it hurt skydiving through a cloud? On the off chance a skydiver clips a cloud, they won’t get hurt from touching the clouds! The danger comes in when they lack visibility, not from the physical implication of touching the cloud (it’s literally just condensed water vapor)!
In more technical terms, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has flight regulation 105.17 in place that prohibits skydivers from jumping into clouds. This regulation also prohibits the pilot in command of the aircraft from allowing skydivers to jump out over clouds.
When solo skydiving students are working toward their license, they are required to pass a written exam that includes questions about cloud clearances. Below is a chart they’ll learn inside and out that breaks down skydiving and cloud clearance requirements.
Clouds Clearances Chart
| Altitude | Visibility | Distance from Clouds |
| 1,200 feet or less above the surface regardless of the MSL altitude | 3 statute miles | 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal |
| More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 feet MSL | 3 statute miles | 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal |
| More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL | 5 statute miles | 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 mile horizontal |
What Conditions Are Good For Skydiving?
What weather is best for skydiving? Clear skies, calm winds, and moderate temps!
Clear skies. Skydiving in rainy weather wouldn’t be fun even if it were allowed! Imagine sticking your hand out the window of a car going 120 mph as it gets pelted by raindrops – ouch! Blue skies give skydivers optimal visibility and no painful raindrops.
Calm winds. The best weather for skydiving when it comes to wind speed is something light. Winds are a huge contributor to predictability in the sport, which is a critical component of jumping from airplanes. Many experienced jumpers opt for morning and late afternoon jumps when the winds are more likely to be docile.
Moderate temperatures. How cold is too cold for skydiving? Everyone is different! Whatever temperature is too cold for you to effectively do what a skydive demands (in the case of a tandem student – have fun and listen to your instructor!) is too cold. Skydivers can only bundle up so much before too many layers implicate them using their gear safely!
What Conditions Are Bad For Skydiving?
Low visibility, strong winds, and extremely hot or cold temps are not the skydiving vibe.
Clouds. Need we say more? Clouds obstruct our view, which can compromise safety.
Gusty winds. Strong winds aren’t necessarily bad, as long as they’re consistent – it’s all about predictability, remember? Hefty wind gusts make flying parachutes difficult and can result in some spicy landings, which we don’t want.
Wild temperatures. We go pretty high up into the sky in order to skydive. With each 1,000 feet gained in altitude, the temperature decreases by about 3.5° to 4°F. That means that although a 45°F day on the ground isn’t unbearable, being at 12,000 feet and 3°F won’t be very enjoyable! Skydiving in cold weather (like … super-duper cold weather) is not conducive to a good time.
What If There’s Bad Weather On The Day Of My Jump?
If the weather gods aren’t in our favor on the day of your skydive, we’ll work with you to find a new date! We will always do our best to keep you informed, but if you’re driving some distance to see us, please call ahead and double check the weather conditions with us.
Ready To Jump?
Waiting on optimal skydiving weather can be frustrating, but the benefits of skydiving make it sooo worth it. Ready to jump? Book your skydiving adventure today! Blue skies!
