Free UV Index API vs RainViewer

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%100%
Uptime · 30d98.3%100%
P50 · ms284551
P95 · ms26111757
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified (attribution requested)
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Free UV Index API vs RainViewer: common questions

Which is more reliable, Free UV Index API or RainViewer?

On our scheduled checks, RainViewer leads on measured uptime — Free UV Index API at 99.02% versus RainViewer at 100% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Which is faster, Free UV Index API or RainViewer?

Free UV Index API has the lower median latency in our checks — Free UV Index API responds in 284 ms versus RainViewer at 551 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.

Do Free UV Index API and RainViewer need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Free UV Index API is callable with no signup, and RainViewer is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Free UV Index API and RainViewer from the browser?

Yes — both Free UV Index API and RainViewer send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.

Are Free UV Index API and RainViewer free for commercial use?

Free UV Index API has unclear commercial terms, and RainViewer has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.