While you can look out the window, it would be nice to prepare for your day based on the weather. Will you need a sweater? Should you bring an umbrella to work? What if you’re going on a trip? It would be nice to know what you’re walking into. Tap or click here for five smart travel tips to keep you safe.
Well, not only is there an app for that, but there are several! Whether going on vacation or getting married next weekend, you want to have the most updated weather information at your fingertips.
The good news is there’s no need to search for weather apps that fit your needs. We’ve done the hard work for you. Here are the best weather apps available for both Apple and Android devices.
1. AccuWeather
AccuWeather has a desktop version you can access from your browser. There is also a free app supported by ads, or you can go premium after a 7-day free trial. Download AccuWeather for iOS here. Or get it for Android here.
It includes typical features, including an hourly forecast. But with a few added options exclusive to its app, more features include:
- Customize the app to tell you to bring a jacket or an umbrella.
- Hourly temperature forecasts, including ‘Real Feel’ temperatures in the sun or shade.
- Varied allergy levels for the day so you can adjust accordingly based on pollen levels.
2. CARROT Weather
CARROT Weather is a less traditional option, but it provides you with all the same features you get everywhere else and a few that are unique:
- Customizable layout based on your hobbies.
- Hourly forecast based on your location.
- Windspeeds.
- Sunrise and sunset times based on location.
Our favorite feature? You get to choose a weather personality for your app, all the way up to Snarky, which means you’ll get weather and sarcasm. You can even complete missions, making this a weather app with a twist.
The basic app is free, but you can upgrade to the premium version and access exclusive customization options, weather maps and more data sources. On iOS, it will cost you $4.99/month or $19.99 a year. In-app purchases are available on Android for up to $3.99 per item. Get the app for iOS here. Or get it for Android here.
3. WeatherBug
Yet another app that also has a web-based version, this app packs a ton of features. You can download the app for free, but it also has an elite version you can buy for $19.99. Get WeatherBug for iOS here. Or download it for Android here.
Find hourly forecasts and predicted weather up to 10 days in advance, as well as weather safety alerts. Here are some features to expect:
- Lightning detection.
- Live cameras.
- Pollen level detection.
4. Weather Underground
Weather Underground is owned by the same company that owns The Weather Channel, which means you know you get the very best information every time.
You can get hourly and weekly forecasts like you do elsewhere, but the home screen isn’t as thorough or visually appealing as other apps. Here are some of the features you’ll find on Weather Underground:
- Interactive radar.
- Sattelite Maps.
- Severe weather warnings.
- Information on humidity and dew points.
The app is free to use, but you can upgrade to a premium version for $19.99 a year or $3.99 a month. Get Weather Underground for iOS here. Or download it for Android here.
5. Yahoo Weather
Like Accuweather, Yahoo has a desktop version and an app for both iOS and Android. Choose your current location or look up weather and information from around the world, including:
- 5 and 10-day forecast so you can be prepared in advance.
- Wind pressure and a chance of rain.
- Track up to 20 locations at once, so if you are traveling, you’ll be prepared.
Yahoo Weather gives you all the information you need, no matter where you are, and it does it all for free. Download the app for iOS here. Or get it for Android here.
Honorable Mention: Dark Sky
Dark Sky is now owned by Apple, making it an Apple-only app. It has a straightforward, user-friendly interface, which makes it appealing. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it gives you the information you need:
- Forecast for the day and night.
- Weekly forecasts.
- An interactive world map allows you to zoom in for the weather in that region.
Dark Sky’s interactive map makes it an excellent option for frequent travelers, especially those who explore international regions, to get the weather forecast no matter where you are. The bad news? The app will cost you $3.99 upfront. Download it for iOS here.