A good free weather app gives you an hourly forecast, a rain radar map and alerts for bad weather, without burying the forecast under adverts. Some apps focus on detailed radar and wind maps, while others keep things simple with a clean daily view. For emergencies, your phone already receives official alerts without any app.
Your phone probably came with a weather widget, so why install another app? Because the built-in one rarely shows the rain radar, wind maps or detailed hourly forecast you need when plans depend on the weather.
Here are ten free weather apps, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. I've noted what each one is good for, and the table shows whether its store listing says it's a free download.
Most of them show ads in the free version, with an optional upgrade to remove them. That's normal, but it's worth knowing before you install three of them at once.
One more thing before you choose: some of the most important weather warnings don't need an app at all, as the next section explains.
Free weather apps at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps show ads or offer in-app purchases, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Weather | Weather app | Forecasts, radar and widgets | Yes |
| AccuWeather | Weather app | Minute-by-minute rain forecasts | Yes |
| Meteored | Weather app | Detailed forecasts and rain radar | Yes |
| MyRadar | Radar app | Fast animated radar maps | Yes |
| The Weather Channel | Weather app | Forecasts, radar and weather news | Yes |
| The Weather Network | Weather app | Forecasts for Canada | Yes |
| Weather & Radar | Weather app | Rain radar and forecast maps | Yes |
| Weather Underground | Weather app | Data from local weather stations | Yes |
| Weawow | Weather app | Ad-free forecasts with photos | Yes |
| Windy.com | Weather maps app | Wind, wave and storm maps | Yes |
Ten free weather apps to try
1Weather
Best for: People who want a forecast, radar and a choice of home screen widgets in one app.
AccuWeather
Best for: Anyone who wants to know exactly when the rain will start or stop at their location.
Meteored
Best for: Weather watchers who like detailed hourly forecasts alongside a rain radar map.
MyRadar
Best for: People who mostly want to see rain and storms moving on an animated radar map.
The Weather Channel
Best for: People who like forecasts, radar and weather news from a well-known broadcaster.
The Weather Network
Best for: Readers in Canada who want local forecasts and alerts from a Canadian weather service.
Weather & Radar
Best for: Anyone who checks the rain radar before heading out for a walk or a run.
Weather Underground
Best for: Weather enthusiasts who like readings from personal weather stations near their home.
Weawow
Best for: People who'd like a calm, ad-free forecast with weather photos as the background.
Windy.com
Best for: Sailors, surfers, pilots and hikers who need detailed wind and wave maps.
Emergency weather alerts arrive without any app
Here's the detail many people miss. The FCC's guide to Wireless Emergency Alerts says the alerts are free to receive and that you don't need to sign up for them. Government officials can send them to compatible phones in the affected area if the wireless carrier takes part.
So a weather app is for planning your day, not for life-or-death warnings. Keep emergency alerts switched on in your phone's notification settings, and treat app alerts as a helpful extra rather than your only warning.
What to look for in a free weather app
- Rain radar: an animated map tells you more than a rain percentage.
- Hourly view: useful when you're timing a walk or a school run.
- Ads: check the store label if a cluttered screen bothers you.
- Widgets: handy if you want the forecast on your home screen.
- Battery and location: check the location settings so it doesn't run all day.
Setting up a weather app in five minutes
- Install one app and allow location only while you're using it.
- Add your home and work as saved places.
- Turn on rain or storm notifications for your area if you want them.
- Add a widget to your home screen for a quick look.
- Check your phone's emergency alert settings are still switched on.
Planning a trip around the weather
A weather app is half of any good trip plan. The other half is the itinerary, and these ChatGPT prompts for planning travel can help you build one that copes with a rainy day.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
If you're heading somewhere snowy, my guide to a ski holiday for beginners covers what to pack and how to plan your first trip.
Do you make weather apps or forecasting tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on weather apps
One good app is better than four. Pick the one whose radar you find easiest to read, add a widget, and delete the rest so your phone isn't tracking your location for nothing.
And never rely on an app alone in severe weather. Keep your phone's official emergency alerts switched on, because they're free and they reach you even if you never open a weather app.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free weather app?
It depends on what you need. Radar apps suit rain watchers, while simple forecast apps suit a quick daily check.
Are free weather apps accurate?
They use forecast models and data, so check a couple of times a day for the latest update.
Do I need a weather app for emergency alerts?
No. The FCC says Wireless Emergency Alerts are free and need no sign-up.
Why do weather apps show different forecasts?
They use different forecast models and update at different times.
Do free weather apps have ads?
Many do. The store listing shows a Contains ads label if they do.
Which weather app has the best radar?
Radar-focused apps usually show the clearest animated maps.
Do weather apps drain the battery?
Constant location tracking can. Set location access to while using the app.
Can I get a weather widget on my home screen?
Yes. Most weather apps include widgets in a range of sizes.
Is there a weather app without ads?
Yes. At least one app on this list shows no Contains ads label on its store listing.
What weather app do sailors and hikers use?
Wind and wave map apps are popular with sailors, surfers and hikers.
Can weather apps warn me about storms?
Many offer storm or rain notifications, but keep official emergency alerts switched on too.
Do weather apps work outside the US?
Many do. Some focus on particular countries, so check the coverage for where you are.
