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Visual Crossing API vs Weatherstack API

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

The verdict

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

Side by side

Visual Crossing APIWeatherstack API
What it doesGlobal historical and weather forecast data.Real-Time & Historical World Weather Data API.
ProviderVisual CrossingWeatherstack
API keyRequiredRequired
HTTPSYesYes
CORS (browser calls)YesUnknown
Status todayOnline · 1839 msOnline · 739 ms
Uptime (30 days)UpUp
Developer ratingNot rated yetNot rated yet
PriceFree / free tierFree / free tier
Visual Crossing docs ↗Weatherstack docs ↗

About each API

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 →

Weatherstack logoWeatherstack API

Real-Time & Historical World Weather Data API.

Get current weather information, historical data and forecasts using weatherstack - a free world weather REST API supporting millions of global locations.

Strengths

  • 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.

Visual Crossing vs Weatherstack FAQ

Do Visual Crossing API and Weatherstack 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

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