Weather apps are one of the most utilized app categories – we constantly check them to plan our days, weeks, vacations and more. But with hundreds to choose from, it can be overwhelming finding the very best.
That‘s why Reddit users are a great source for weather app recommendations. Active communities like r/weather and app-specific subreddits regularly discuss and debate the merits of various weather apps.
Based on recent Reddit conversations in 2022-2023, these 7 emerge as the top weather apps on Reddit right now:
1. Windy – Best Overall
Windy tops Reddit‘s weather app rankings for its wealth of accurate forecast data and analysis tools. Developed for marine and outdoor use, it compiles forecast models from global meteorological agencies like NOAA and ECMWF.
Users praise Windy for its:
- Global and local forecasts out to 16 days
- Multiple weather model overlay for comparison
- Detailed wind, temperature, precipitation and cloud cover data
- Impressive map visualizations and analytics
I‘ve used Windy on camping and boating trips. Having precise wind speed/direction data is invaluable for planning activities, and seeing animated forecast maps makes trends very clear.
The amount of information can be overwhelming, however. There are no quick summaries like "sunny and 75°F". You need to parse through detailed charts and graphs yourself.
Good for: Boaters, pilots, adventurers who want lots of forecast data
2. WeatherBug – Most Detailed Local Data
WeatherBug has been a go-to for free, ad-supported weather and radar on mobile for over 20 years. Expanding to over 5 million locations worldwide, their hyperlocal forecasts stand out to Reddit users.
Highlights include:
- 10 day hourly forecasts
- Precipitation type and probability
- RealFeel temperature
- Lightning detection network
- Crowdsourced weather reports
I use WeatherBug for the real-time rain notifications before walking my dog. The radar also seems more advanced than free alternatives. Reports from personal weather stations add an extra degree of local detail.
Downsides are excessive ads and simplistic data displays. Charts lack interactivity and customizability compared to premium apps. But for a free app, WeatherBug packs impressive detail.
Good for: Free, detailed hour-by-hour forecasts
3. AccuWeather – Best for iPad
Known for TV and website weather, Accuweather gets strong reviews on Reddit for its well-designed iPad app. The layout shines on the large screen, optimizing space without looking sparse.
Key features:
- Intuitive ribbon menu interface
- Interactive radar with dual pane option
- Local and national radar sweeps
- Video segments on major weather events
- Optional premium addons like cloud cover and precipitation type
Testing on my iPad Air, AccuWeather does feel polished with slick maps and animations. Having radar next to a forecast makes things very convenient. Links to news videos offer nice context for understanding weather events.
Downsides are pushy ads/subscriptions, mediocre widgets, and questionable forecast accuracy at times. But the presentation quality gives it an edge.
Good for: Beautiful weather visualizations on tablet
4. Overdrop – Most Widget Options
While Overdrop offers the usual weather app features, its claim to fame is an astounding 50+ widget options. On Android in particular, Overdrop widgets are extremely customizable – ranging from simple forecasts to cool meteorological visualizations.
Other key features:
- Mix and match widget elements
- Optional icon packs
- 24 hour history data
- Precipitation notifications
- No ads or paid tiers
I‘m not personally a widget person, but watching Overdrop review videos, the creative widget designs using weather symbols, graphs and colors are amazing. For hardcore widget users/themers, it‘s clearly a standout choice.
Good for: Customizing homescreen with weather widgets
5. Weather Underground – Best Radar
Weather Underground (or Wunderground) is the weather offshoot of IBM. It earns consistent praise on Reddit for having the cleanest, smoothest radar. It really excels in presenting rainfall and storms.
Beyond radar, its also packed with data:
- Interactive radar with many layer options
- Hyperlocal weather station network
- Historical data tools
- 15 day premium forecast
- Lightning tracker
- Hurricane tools
While testing Wunderground, I found the radar extremely responsive and colorful compared to other apps. Panning/zooming frames stay crisp. Clickable weather stations fill gaps that official monitoring misses. For radar addicts, Wunderground sets the bar.
Downsides are a cluttered interface and obtrusive ads. But the quality radar experience outweighs those factors for most users.
Good for: Tracking precipitation in detail
6. CARROT Weather – Most Unique Personality
CARROT Weather sets itself apart with hilariously snarky forecast commentary. The AI personality mocks your city‘s weather and insults you for checking too often. It‘s odd but oddly endearing.
Beyond dry humor, CARROT offers:
- Snappy hourly forecasts
- Next 12 hours "right now" view
- Fun and flashy maps
- Apple Watch complications
CARROT is a total trip and tough not to like. The designers really commit to the sadistic AI theme with scary notification sounds and threats to punish you if you stop using the app.
Underneath the schtick lies a capable weather app with quality radar maps and forecasts. Just be prepared for constant ridicule of your city‘s lame weather.
Good for: Weather with a twisted sense of humor
7. Ventusky – Best Wind Map
Ventusky caters to weather geeks wanting to visualize conditions unfolding around the globe. Its fully interactive 3D globe displays a awe-inspiring number of weather parameters smoother than any app I‘ve tried.
Features include:
- Smooth zooming 3D globe interface
- Layer options like clouds, rain, wind vectors
- Click anywhere for location weather details
- Precipitation type radar
- webcam import tool
Beyond the silky globe animations, I‘m amazed by little details – like tree pollen levels appearing during allergy season. Zooming in on my house, I can clearly see current wind direction/speed and local temperature. Ventusky makes you feel like a news meteorologist.
Map clutter can be challenging for simple forecast checking. And hyper-responsive UIs have steeper learning curves. But the novelty and flexibility is incredible.
Good for: Exploring weather as it happens worldwide
How to Pick the Best Weather App
With so many weather apps offering free options now, deciding the right one can still be tricky depending on your needs.
Here are some selection criteria based on Reddit wisdom:
Detail level – are you fine with quick overviews or want granular current/hourly/15 day data?
Forecast accuracy – verify predictions from different apps to your local weather over time.
Visuals – make sure maps, icons and charts are intuitive for you.
Radar responsiveness – radar should animate smoothly and have useful layer toggles.
Data breadth – consider special features like wind, lightning tracking, traffic condition integration that are useful for your lifestyle.
Widget functionality – if using widgets, prioritize apps offering sufficient customization options.
Hopefully learning what features Reddit users love about these weather apps helps you choose just the right forecasting companion for your needs! I know after testing them myself, I have a greater appreciation for all the innovation happening in weather app design today.
