Weather
Last verified: April 1, 2026
This API requires an API key for authentication. Here's how to get started:
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?api_key=YOUR_KEY) or in the request header (Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY). Check the API's documentation for the exact format.API keys are free for most public APIs. They're used to identify your application and enforce rate limits — not to charge you.
CORS support for this API is unknown. If you get cross-origin errors in the browser, try calling the API from your server instead.
OpenWeatherMap is a free API in the Weather category. It requires a free API key, which you can obtain by signing up on their website. This API supports HTTPS for secure connections and has unknown CORS support — test from your environment to confirm.
OpenWeatherMap 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 OpenWeatherMap 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. Get an API key. OpenWeatherMap uses API key authentication. Sign up on the provider's site, look for a developer dashboard or API section in your account settings, and copy your key somewhere safe. Treat it like a password — don't paste it into a public repo or a client-side bundle that ships to a browser. Read our API security guide if you're unsure how to keep keys out of source control.
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. Test browser compatibility. CORS support for OpenWeatherMap isn't documented in our directory. The fastest way to find out is a one-line test in a browser console — open devtools, run fetch(API_URL).then(r => r.json()).then(console.log), and watch for a CORS error in the network tab. If you see one, call the API from a backend instead.
Authorization header, or a custom header — every provider does it slightly differently. The official docs will say which.curl but not in your app: almost always a header-encoding bug. Print the exact request your client sends and compare it to your working curl command. Look for missing quotes, extra spaces, or a header name typo.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.
OpenWeatherMap 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 OpenWeatherMap 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.
OpenWeatherMap 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 OpenWeatherMap 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. OpenWeatherMap 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. OpenWeatherMap 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, OpenWeatherMap is listed as a free public API. You will need to create a free account to get an API key, but the key itself is free. Some APIs have rate limits on their free tier, so check the official documentation for current limits.
Yes! According to our most recent health check (OpenWeatherMap's last ping: 2026-04-01 13:44:04), this API is responding normally. We periodically verify all listed APIs to ensure they are still online and functioning.