Can You Skydive Through Clouds?

You’ve booked your skydive and are obsessively checking the weather forecast, hoping for the perfect skydiving day. When you see clouds in the forecast, it’s natural to wonder: Can I skydive when it’s cloudy?

The answer? It depends. While freefalling next to towering clouds makes for breathtaking views (and is a skydiver’s dream), certain cloud conditions can ground flights. More importantly, you can’t skydive through clouds – and for good reason. In this article, we’ll dive into the rules about skydiving and clouds, answer how cloudy is too cloudy for skydiving, and explain why skydiving through a cloud is illegal and unsafe. 

Why is Skydiving Through a Cloud Illegal?

Clouds may look fluffy and fun but falling through one is less magical than you might think. A dense cloud will be cold and wet, and at freefall speeds of 120 mph, it can feel like being pelted by tiny needles. But beyond comfort, safety and legality are the biggest concerns.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets strict regulations for cloud clearances, and as skydivers, we must adhere to these rules. Why? Because skydivers are considered pilots, and like aircraft pilots, we must maintain visual references and situational awareness during every stage of the jump. 

Here’s a breakdown of why you can’t skydive through clouds: 

1. During the Climb to Altitude

Pilots need a clear view to safely navigate the aircraft. Thick cloud layers can obstruct visibility, forcing flights to pause or go on a weather hold. 

2. On Exit

Spotting the Dropzone: To exit the plane safely, you need to see the ground to ensure you’ll land back at the dropzone and are not getting out too far away.

Avoiding Other Aircraft: Clouds can obscure nearby aircraft, which is a significant hazard. Even with pilots coordinating airspace, a jumper might encounter unexpected aircraft like hot air balloons or rogue planes not on the radio.

3. In Freefall

Clear visibility is crucial to ensure safe distances between skydivers and groups. If clouds prevent jumpers from seeing each other, it could lead to dangerous collisions in midair.

4. Parachute Deployment & Navigation

Clouds at or near the altitude where parachutes are deployed create serious challenges:

Clear Air Space: When opening a parachute, visibility is critical. You need to see all around to locate other skydivers and ensure the airspace is clear, avoiding potential collisions. Being unable to see other parachutes compromises the safety of everyone in the air.

Navigational Challenges: If the clouds are below opening altitude and you open above them, they could obscure your view. Without a clear view of the ground, you can misjudge your position, fly in the wrong direction, or miss the dropzone entirely! This adds unnecessary risks and logistical complications to an otherwise thrilling skydive. 

When Can You Skydive Through Clouds?

While you can’t intentionally skydive through clouds, there are situations when cloudy skies don’t stop us from jumping. Here’s what to know:

• Scattered Clouds: If visibility is not significantly restricted, jumping is usually allowed. Factors like the height and density of the clouds will determine whether we can proceed.

• High Clouds: As long as clouds are well above our minimum jump altitude, we can continue jumping.

• Thin Clouds: If clouds are thin enough to see through, they typically don’t pose an issue for skydiving.

• Hole Chasing: Sometimes, the blue sky breaks through the clouds in patches called “holes.” While we might anticipate jumping through a hole, we avoid “sucker holes” – cloud gaps too small or fast-moving to jump safely.

What Happens If You Skydive Through a Cloud?

Though it’s rare, a cloud may occasionally drift into freefall airspace. Proper weather assessments usually prevent this, but sometimes clouds move faster than expected.

If this happens, instructors will use their training to navigate safely and minimize time in the cloud. Falling through a cloud can compromise safety, so the goal is always to make informed decisions and avoid it whenever possible.

How Cloudy Is Too Cloudy for Skydiving?

The threshold for cloudy conditions depends on FAA regulations, local dropzone policies, and real-time weather assessments. At Skydive Palm Beach, our priority is always safety – if there’s any doubt about visibility, pilots, managers, and instructors will work together to make the decision to jump or go on a weather hold.

Let’s Jump!

Skydiving near clouds is an unforgettable experience – come and see for yourself! If you’re ready to book your skydive or have questions about our weather policies, get in touch! Clear skies or not, we’d love to help you plan your big adventure!