Glax Weather API vs RainViewer

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%100%
Uptime · 30d100%100%
P50 · ms1004551
P95 · ms25341757
Authnonenone
CORSnoyes
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

Glax Weather API vs RainViewer: common questions

Which is more reliable, Glax Weather API or RainViewer?

Both are neck-and-neck — Glax Weather API and RainViewer each measure 100% uptime over 90 days on our probe schedule. Reliability here is verified from our own scheduled checks; use the 30-day bars above to see which has been steadier lately.

Which is faster, Glax Weather API or RainViewer?

RainViewer has the lower median latency in our checks — Glax Weather API responds in 1004 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 Glax Weather API and RainViewer need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Glax Weather 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 Glax Weather API and RainViewer from the browser?

Only RainViewer is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. Glax Weather API needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are Glax Weather API and RainViewer free for commercial use?

Glax Weather 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.