Reduce the frequency of automatic OpenSearch snapshots

Hi everyone,

I'm using AWS OpenSearch on the Free Tier, and I've noticed that more than 1 GB of my 1 GB free monthly data transfer is being consumed, even though I'm not frequently querying or using the domain. The stored data in the OpenSearch are extremely small, in kB... I actually even do not need the snapshots as the data in the OpenSearch are not crucial for the functionality and could be eventually built-up from zero.

From what I understand, AWS OpenSearch performs hourly automated snapshots, and I suspect these may be contributing to this data transfer usage — possibly due to cross-AZ traffic or how the snapshots are handled internally.

Here’s what I’m trying to find out:

• Is it possible to reduce the frequency of these automatic snapshots (e.g., daily instead of hourly)?
• Can I change the snapshot destination to an S3 bucket in my control (same AZ) to reduce regional data transfer?
• Are there any configuration options to limit OpenSearch's background traffic so I can better stay within the Free Tier?

I am not so much worried about staying within free tier, much more about the exploding costs when the stored data grow larger. Having no option in the portal to set the snapshot frequency is posing unnecessary costs, perhaps this is a strategy all along?

Any tips, experience, or clarification would be really appreciated — especially from those who’ve run into similar issues on small or hobby setups.

Thanks in advance!