RainViewer vs Weather Underground API
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
RainViewer vs Weather Underground API: common questions
Which is more reliable, RainViewer or Weather Underground API?
Both are neck-and-neck — RainViewer and Weather Underground API 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, RainViewer or Weather Underground API?
Weather Underground API has the lower median latency in our checks — RainViewer responds in 551 ms versus Weather Underground API at 104 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 RainViewer and Weather Underground API need an API key?
RainViewer needs no key, while Weather Underground API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for RainViewer first.
Can I call RainViewer and Weather Underground API from the browser?
Yes — both RainViewer and Weather Underground API 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 RainViewer and Weather Underground API free for commercial use?
RainViewer has unclear commercial terms, and Weather Underground API 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.