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Open-Meteo API vs Visual Crossing API

Two free Weather APIs compared on access, reliability and developer ratings, using data from our daily health checks.

The verdict

  • Choose Open-Meteo API if you want to start without an API key, faster responses.
  • Choose Visual Crossing API for its data: Global historical and weather forecast data.

Side by side

Open-Meteo APIVisual Crossing API
What it doesGlobal weather forecast API for non-commercial use.Global historical and weather forecast data.
ProviderOpen-Meteo.comVisual Crossing
API keyNot neededRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)YesYes
Status todayOnline · 522 msOnline · 1839 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
Open-Meteo docs ↗Visual Crossing docs ↗

About each API

Open-Meteo logoOpen-Meteo API

Global weather forecast API for non-commercial use.

Open-Source ☀️ Weather API with free access for non-commercial use. No API Key required ✅. Accurate weather forecasts for any location. Open-Meteo provides high-resolution open data ranging from 1 to 11 kilometres from national weather services. With a user-friendly JSON API, integrating weather da…

Strengths

  • No API key needed
  • Callable from the browser (CORS)
  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

Visual Crossing logoVisual Crossing API

Global historical and weather forecast data.

Global Weather API for historical weather, current conditions, and 15-day forecasts. Access 50+ years of data through one API. Start free, no credit card required.

Strengths

  • Callable from the browser (CORS)
  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

How to choose between them

  • Prototyping or a tutorial? Pick the one that needs no API key.
  • Calling from a web page? You need CORS. Otherwise route requests through your own server or a serverless function.
  • Going to production? Favour HTTPS, a strong uptime record and a provider with clear rate limits and terms. Check each API's docs before you commit.
  • Still unsure? Both are free to try: send one request to each and compare the data you get back.

Open-Meteo vs Visual Crossing FAQ

Which needs an API key, Open-Meteo API or Visual Crossing API?

Visual Crossing API requires an API key; Open-Meteo API doesn't, so Open-Meteo API is quicker to try.

More comparisons

Open-Meteo API alternatives · Visual Crossing API alternatives · best Weather APIs