Weather
Last verified: April 1, 2026
This API requires no authentication — you can start making requests immediately with no sign-up or API key needed.
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fetch() in JavaScript, curl in your terminal, or any HTTP client to call the API.No-auth APIs are the easiest to get started with — perfect for learning, prototyping, and building side projects.
This API does not support CORS, so you'll need to call it from a server-side application or use a proxy. Direct browser requests will be blocked by the browser's same-origin policy.
MetaWeather is a free, no-authentication API in the Weather category. You can start using it immediately without creating an account or obtaining an API key — just send an HTTP request and receive data back. This API supports HTTPS for secure connections and does not support CORS — you will need to call it from a server-side application.
MetaWeather fits naturally into projects that touch the Weather space. Here are a few directions developers commonly take when working with APIs in this category — any of them could be a fit depending on the specific endpoints MetaWeather exposes:
If a specific use case isn't listed, scroll back to the code examples above and adapt the request shape to match the endpoint you need. Most Weather APIs follow similar request/response patterns, so the snippet that works for one endpoint usually works for the rest with small tweaks.
1. Skim the documentation first. Open the link above and look for two things: the base URL pattern and a list of available endpoints. Knowing both up front saves you from guessing parameter names or formats. Most providers also publish example responses next to each endpoint — copy one into your editor as a reference for the JSON shape your code will be parsing.
2. No authentication needed. MetaWeather is one of the no-auth APIs in our directory, which means you can skip account creation entirely. Just point a request at the endpoint and you'll get data back. This makes it ideal for prototypes, learning exercises, and demos where you want to see something working in under a minute.
3. Make a request from the command line. Before wiring an API into your application, send a single request with curl or your HTTP client of choice. Confirm that the response shape matches what the docs promised. If it doesn't, your application code would have hit the same surprise — better to find out now while you only have one terminal window to debug.
4. Wire it into your code. Once a manual request works, copy that request into your application as a function. Add error handling: APIs return 4xx and 5xx codes for client and server errors respectively, and your code needs to behave reasonably when one comes back. Our error-handling guide covers the patterns that make this less painful.
5. Don't call it directly from the browser. MetaWeather doesn't support CORS, so a browser-side fetch() will be blocked by the same-origin policy. Call it from your backend instead and forward the result to the frontend. If you don't have a backend, a serverless function (Cloudflare Workers, Netlify Functions, Vercel) is a quick way to add one.
Weather APIs deliver current conditions, forecasts, historical data, and severe weather alerts for locations worldwide. Build weather dashboards, travel planners, or outdoor activity apps with accurate meteorological data.
MetaWeather is one of dozens of free Weather APIs we've catalogued. Some are nearly interchangeable; others have distinct strengths and weaknesses that only become clear when you read their docs side-by-side. If MetaWeather doesn't quite fit your project, the Weather category page lists every alternative we know about, with auth and CORS columns so you can compare at a glance.
When evaluating Weather APIs, the criteria that matter most are typically: rate limits on the free tier, freshness of the underlying data, regional coverage (does it work for your users' geography?), and how active the provider's maintenance schedule is. APIs that haven't been updated in years tend to drift out of sync with the underlying data sources, even if they technically still respond.
MetaWeather is a weather API that can provide meteorological data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and forecasts. The exact data fields depend on the API's endpoints — check the documentation for a full list of available weather parameters. Many weather APIs also provide UV index, air quality, and severe weather alerts.
Historical weather data availability varies by API. Some weather APIs like MetaWeather offer historical records going back years, while others focus only on current conditions and forecasts. Check the API documentation to see if historical endpoints are available and whether they require a different plan or rate limit.
Weather API accuracy depends on the data sources the provider uses (e.g., government stations, satellites, radar). Short-term forecasts (1-3 days) are generally reliable across most weather APIs, while extended forecasts become less accurate. MetaWeather may source data from national weather services or proprietary models — see their documentation for details on data sources and update frequency.
Most weather APIs support lookups by geographic coordinates (latitude/longitude), city name, or zip code. MetaWeather likely supports at least one of these methods. Coordinate-based lookups tend to be the most precise. Check the Weather category for other weather APIs if you need a specific lookup method.
Yes, MetaWeather is listed as a free public API. It requires no sign-up or API key — you can start making requests immediately. Some APIs have rate limits on their free tier, so check the official documentation for current limits.
Our most recent health check indicates MetaWeather may be down or unreachable. It could be temporarily offline or permanently discontinued. Check the official website for status updates and consider browsing alternatives in the same category.