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NDBC Buoy Data API vs RainViewer

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

APINDBC Buoy Data APINEW—RainViewerNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
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

NDBC Buoy Data API vs RainViewer: common questions

Which is more reliable, NDBC Buoy Data API or RainViewer?

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

Do NDBC Buoy Data API and RainViewer need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — NDBC Buoy Data 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 NDBC Buoy Data API and RainViewer from the browser?

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

Are NDBC Buoy Data API and RainViewer free for commercial use?

NDBC Buoy Data 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.