If you are looking for a cold weather security camera & system for winter, you can get what you need in this complete buying guide. You'll get top 3 points to consider when you buy best security cameras for cold weather or high temperature, so that you can get the most suitable one within minutes (with stunning videos). Also, we've included 3 extreme cold weather CCTV cameras & system top picks that got high praise from editors of top-tier media and customers.
Table of Contents:
#1. Cold Weather IP Security Camera Top 3 Considerations
#2. Cold Weather Security Cameras Recommendations
#3. "All Weather Security Cameras" Hottest Questions
Want to choose suitable cold weather security cameras, you need to know the information below:
| Camera Type | Cold weather IP cameras |
| Considerations | Local temperature/camera operating temperature |
| Top Picks | Reolink security cameras/systems |
| FAQs | 3 |
#1. Best Winter Cold Weather Home IP Security Cameras — Top 3 Points to Focus
Your security cameras used in winter, especially operated in the outdoor environments, should withstand the inclement weather, including snow, wind, dust, rain, extreme heat or old.
You can try the 3-point checklist to buy the best extreme cold weather outdoor surveillance cameras.
1. The Local Temperature of Your Area
2. Security Camera Operating Temperature
3. For Outdoor or Indoor Use
1. Check Your Local Temperature Before Buying Cold Weather Wireless & Wired Security Cameras & Systems
Before dive into buying the fanciest cold weather outdoor security cameras, you should check the local temperature in winter.
Security cameras that can withstand higher or lower temperature will cost you more.
A good rule of thumb is to get a security camera that can handle the winter of your local place, instead of just upgrading the CCTV cameras to the ones that can withstand highest or lowest temperature simply because they are available.
You don't necessarily buy a security camera that can stand up a winter with -60°C to -80°C, while your local temperature is only -5°C.
You can check your local temperature on weather.com.
2. Mark Cold Weather Security Camera Operating Temperature
The operating temperature in cold weather video surveillance cameras (typically can been seen in the specifics part in the product page), means the recommended operating temperature.
The operating temperature of winter IP security cameras varies. Some security cameras (systems) can perform well under the temperature range of -10°C ~ +55°C (14°F~131°F). Some even can handle/withstand the cold weather that is about -30°C or -40°C.
In fact, some extreme weather security cameras & systems can operate in much higher and lower temperatures than the stated temperatures.
Security cameras when in operating condition would be much more heated than that of its non-working state. So the cold weather IP security camera function even in a much colder environment.
Take RLC-423 PoE all-weather outdoor security camera as a typical example. The recommended working temperature of this camera is -10°C~+55°C (14°F~131°F). However, this camera can work well even in -45°C by a customer's test.
This customer who bought this cold weather IP security camera left a review, stating that:
"RLC-423 I tried it on very low outdoor temperature (around -45 c) it works fine no issues. very good picture!"
You can watch the below extreme cold weather scenery caught on this camera.
But if you expose a high temperature CCTV security camera or system close to a furnace, it would do harm to your camera, which would make it stop working. In some extreme conditions, it would burn your cameras down.
3. Get Suitable Cold Weather CCTV IP Security Cameras & Systems Depending on Outdoor or Indoor Use
If you want to install your cold weather wired or wireless security cameras outdoors, always buy a CCTV camera with weatherproof rating.
For example, if you want to put up an outdoor security camera for cold weather in your parked camper, detached garage, soffit, covered porch, etc. get a CCTV camera at least with IP65 weatherproof rating.
Under such an IP rating, this winter security camera can brave the cold, rain, dust, etc. You can take a look at the below video to see how an IP65 weatherproof security camera braves the cold weather.
If you want to buy cold weather wireless or wired security cameras for indoor use, you don't need to worry about the working temperature of your security cameras.
Usually, you would turn the heater on during cold winters. Thus the temperature inside your property would enable your all-weather CCTV security cameras or systems to work seamlessly.
#2. Best Outdoor Cold Weather Wireless & Wired IP Security Cameras & Systems
The below top all-weather wireless and wired security camera recommendations can withstand harsh weather, and offer you real-time live streaming when connected to the Internet.
Most importantly, you can enjoy FREE shipping!
Top Pick 1. RLC-410W — One of the Best WiFi Cold Weather IP Security Cameras
RLC-410W dual band WiFi home and business security camera can resist the cold weather even in -10°C (14°F). It's a nice and affordable option when you need to install this camera in places (such as Southern Alberta) with average temperature -5°C to -10°C.
Reolink RLC-410W
Dual-Band Wireless Security Camera with Audio
5MP/4MP Super HD, Outdoor/Indoor Protection, Dual-Band WiFi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, Audio Recording, and SD Card Storage.
You can watch the below bomb cyclone captured by this weather-resistant security camera.
Top Pick 2. Reolink Argus 2 — Wire-Free Outdoor Security IP Camera
Reolink Argus 2 battery powered security camera features its 100% wire-free design. You don't need to run Internet wires or power cables for this battery operated security camera. It would be the best option if you want a mini outdoor cold weather security camera.
This cold weather home HD security camera can function well even in -10℃.
Reolink Argus 2
100% Wire-Free Starlight Camera
Rechargeable Battery & Solar Powered; Outdoor/Indoor Protection; 1080 Full HD; Starlight Night Vision; 2-Way Audio; Live View Anytime Anywhere.
If you want to find the best cold weather game/trail camera to monitor your off-site properties, like monitoring livestock at night during lambing and calving seasons, or checking your paddock, farm, barn, rural home and other remote areas, you can try a cellular 4G security camera.
You can still get live view when your property has no Internet and power supply.
Top Pick 3. RLK8-410B4 — The Easiest DIY Cold Weather PoE IP Security Camera System
This all-weather PoE IP security camera system can help you monitor and protect your home and business even in cold winters.
This security camera system can perform pretty well in the temperature range of -10°C ~ +45°C (14°F~113°F).
Hot
Reolink RLK8-410B4
8-Channel PoE Security System
4 pcs 5MP/4MP Security Cameras; 2TB HDD 8-Channel NVR for 24/7 Reliable Recording; Plug & Play; 2 Network Solutions.
You can take a look at the below video recorded by this cold weather outdoor video surveillance camera system (shared by an adventurer).
If you want the security camera system much more weather-resistant, you can add a weather shield to it.
Normally, the above winter security cameras (systems) can meet your requirements for cold weather.
If you are looking for outdoor cameras that are able to stand up the harsh Alaskan winters (about -60°C to -80°C on a cold night), it's a little bit hard to find a suitable one since there are few outdoor winter security cameras that can handle such cold weather.
#3. "Cold Weather Security Cameras & Systems" Frequently Asked Questions
You can express your own insights in this Q&A part about high or low temperature CCTV video cameras! And as usual, your excellent ideas will be featured in this part.
Q 1. What exactly does the cold weather security camera operating temperature mean?
A 1: All security cameras have recommended working temperature. You can find the operating temperature of the camera in the product page.
The working temperature is determined by the camera manufacturers during the product testing stage.
The cold weather security cameras may be hampered if used outside this temperature range. But wait. As we mentioned enough, some security cameras can even function well in much higher or lower temperature.
Flora, a senior tech editor of Reolink, provides a trick to use a security camera in cold weather.
Here is the trick:
Start the wireless/PoE (or whatever types) security camera indoor first and move the heated camera outside.
You can check Flora's post to get more details on how she handles the Candia Canadian extreme cold with the cameras.
Q 2. Does cold weather affect digital security cameras?
Will cold weather effect the IR or night vision ability?
A 2: Cold weather would enable the cameras to stop working if the temperature is extremely lower than the operating temperature, and it might be harmful to your CCTV surveillance cameras' lens.
You should clean your cold weather security camera lens before the winter approaches, and keep cleaning it with a soft cloth during winter season, like once per month.
In most cases, the cold weather won't affect the IR night vision of the cameras.
3. How do I keep my battery or solar powered security cameras charged in cold weather?
How do I keep my Arlo batteries charge in cold weather?
A 3: If you want to keep your battery powered security cameras charged during the winter, you can try the below effective tips to keep charging surveillance cameras.
Tip 1. If your security camera stops charging because the battery is too cold, you can bring your cold weather battery powered security camera to another location where the temperature is above freezing and charge it.
Tip 2. If your battery operated security cameras cannot be charged due to the outside cold weather, you may take your camera inside your home to charge it.
Tip 3. If you use a solar panel to charge the camera, the solar panel may not provide enough energy for your camera due to many factors, including shade, cold weather, dust or debris on the surface, etc.
If you have any questions on cold weather IP security cameras, leave your comment below!
I actually live in Alaska and am trying to find a suitable security surveillance system. Are there any recommendations?
Hello Kim, could you please tell us which part you live in Alaska, since the temperature varies greatly in different areas of Alaska.
You can take a look at the RLC-422 outdoor dome security camera: https://reolink.com/product/rlc-422/. The IP66 waterproof housing and IK10 vandal-proof design can work pretty well even in bad weather.
This camera can perform well in cold winters.
Temps in Alaska can get well below 0 F. Do you have recommendations for ones that work well in sub-zero temps?
Hello there, the working temperature of our outdoor security cameras is -10°C~+55°C (14°F~131°F).
For the best performance, we are not suggesting using the security cameras in sub-zero temps.
Hello, which is the the best PTZ camera for severe weather? -60 celsius degrees.
What should be all the accessories for satellite video upload and solar power supply (since it's a remote area)?
Hello Miguel, you can take a look at our most popular RLC-423 PTZ camera here: https://reolink.com/product/rlc-423/
The recommended working temperature of this PTZ camera is -10°C~+55°C (14°F~131°F). However, this camera can work well even in -45°C by a customer's test. (You can check the reviews on the product page.)
This PoE PTZ camera currently cannot be powered by a solar panel. So if you want a solar powered PTZ camera in a remote area with severe weather, it would not be the option.
And most PTZ PoE security cameras on the market right now would only support Power over Ethernet.
In most cases, the solar panel would be used for battery powered security cameras (like our Reolink Argus Pro camera: https://reolink.com/product/argus-pro/ ). But this type of security cameras would not be able to handle such cold weather.
Hello Terri, you can try our RLC-423 PoE camera: https://reolink.com/product/rlc-423/
Based on the comment of a customer, this camera can work well even in -45°C 🙂
But please notice that the ideal working temperature of this camera is: -10°C~+55°C (14°F~131°F).
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your customer testimonial of ”extreme cold weather scenery” is fake news. It's either a mistake or a lie. As I understand it, the video represents the camera working at -45C. However, you can clearly see the snow in the street is melting. This means the temperature is probably +5C to -5C at the lowest. No where near -45C!
Yeah...I live in Minnesota. It is common to get -20F to -30F or worse temps in the winter.
Well this article was certainly a waste of time and didn't answer the F'ing question. I live in Minnesota also and I have seen temps as low as -43 in my area. But thanks buyers guide for ignoring the original question and pointing out cameras that are rated to 14 degrees!?! Hell we can have stretches of weeks here where the temp never exceeds 0 as the high. Everything you pointed out we already have researched and does not meet our requirements. Does buyers guide read the questions before they respond??
It's marketing nonsense written by Chinese students for cents per word. You took this article seriously?
Poorly written so transparently promoting Reolink. I have two Reolinks and now I lost respect for the company for paying for such dumb crap. Article is so devoid of usable info. Nonsense that camera that is rated for 14f
actually can stand 40 below! GREAT TIP: if too cold your camera – just bring it in.