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OpenWeatherMap API vs Pirate Weather API

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

The verdict

  • Choose OpenWeatherMap API for its data: Explore OpenWeather's vast range of weather APIs including the versatile One Call API 4.0.
  • Choose Pirate Weather API if you want to start without an API key, to call it from browser JavaScript.

Side by side

OpenWeatherMap APIPirate Weather API
What it doesExplore OpenWeather's vast range of weather APIs including the versatile One Call API 4.0.Free weather API with forecast data similar to Dark Sky.
Provideropenweathermap.orgPirate Weather
API keyRequiredNot needed
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownYes
Status todayOnline · 527 msOnline · 419 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
OpenWeatherMap docs ↗Pirate Weather docs ↗

About each API

OpenWeatherMap logoOpenWeatherMap API

Explore OpenWeather's vast range of weather APIs including the versatile One Call API 4.0.

Explore OpenWeather's vast range of weather APIs including the versatile One Call API 4.0. Ideal for both beginners and professionals, our APIs offer current weather, minute-by-minute forecasts, historical data archives, and future predictions. Access weather data starting from 01-01-1979, global w…

Strengths

  • HTTPS

Ratings, reviews and FAQ →

Pirate Weather logoPirate Weather API

Free weather API with forecast data similar to Dark Sky.

Strengths

  • No API key needed
  • 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.

OpenWeatherMap vs Pirate Weather FAQ

Which needs an API key, OpenWeatherMap API or Pirate Weather API?

OpenWeatherMap API requires an API key; Pirate Weather API doesn't, so Pirate Weather API is quicker to try.

Which can I call from the browser?

Pirate Weather API supports CORS, so front-end JavaScript can call it directly. Call the other from a server.

More comparisons

OpenWeatherMap API alternatives · Pirate Weather API alternatives · best Weather APIs