Skip to content
OpenWeatherMap logovsVisual Crossing logo

OpenWeatherMap 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 OpenWeatherMap API if you want faster responses.
  • Choose Visual Crossing API if you want to call it from browser JavaScript.

Side by side

OpenWeatherMap APIVisual Crossing API
What it doesExplore OpenWeather's vast range of weather APIs including the versatile One Call API 4.0.Global historical and weather forecast data.
Provideropenweathermap.orgVisual Crossing
API keyRequiredRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownYes
Status todayOnline · 527 msOnline · 1839 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
OpenWeatherMap docs ↗Visual Crossing 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 →

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 (neither does, so compare their free tiers).
  • 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 Visual Crossing FAQ

Do OpenWeatherMap API and Visual Crossing API need an API key?

Both require authentication (apiKey and apiKey).

Which can I call from the browser?

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

More comparisons

OpenWeatherMap API alternatives · Visual Crossing API alternatives · best Weather APIs