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OpenWeatherMap API vs WeatherAPI

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 WeatherAPI if you want to call it from browser JavaScript.

Side by side

OpenWeatherMap APIWeatherAPI
What it doesExplore OpenWeather's vast range of weather APIs including the versatile One Call API 4.0.Weather API with other stuff like Astronomy and Geolocation API.
Provideropenweathermap.orgWeatherAPI.com
API keyRequiredRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)UnknownYes
Status todayOnline · 527 msOnline · 621 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
OpenWeatherMap docs ↗WeatherAPI 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 →

WeatherAPI logoWeatherAPI

Weather API with other stuff like Astronomy and Geolocation API.

Free weather API: 100,000 calls a month. Realtime, 14-day and 15-min forecast, history from 2010, marine, air quality, pollen, alerts and solar data in JSON/XML.

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 WeatherAPI FAQ

Do OpenWeatherMap API and WeatherAPI need an API key?

Both require authentication (apiKey and apiKey).

Which can I call from the browser?

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

More comparisons

OpenWeatherMap API alternatives · WeatherAPI alternatives · best Weather APIs