What is an OpenWeatherMap API key?

An OpenWeatherMap API key is a unique alphanumeric code that authenticates your requests to OpenWeather’s weather data servers. Every time your website or app requests weather data, it sends this key along with the request so OpenWeather can verify your account and return the data.

Is the OpenWeatherMap API key really free?

Yes. OpenWeather’s standard free plan provides an API key with no credit card required. It covers current weather, 5-day forecasts, air quality data, and weather maps for any location worldwide, with up to 60 calls per minute and 1,000,000 calls per month.

How long does it take for the OpenWeatherMap API key to activate?

The API key is generated immediately when you sign up, but it can take up to 2 hours to become fully active on OpenWeather’s servers. If you get an error immediately after creating your account, wait an hour or two and try again.

Where do I find my OpenWeatherMap API key?

Log in to your account at home.openweathermap.org and click the “API keys” tab. Your key(s) are listed there. You can copy existing keys, create new ones, or delete old ones from this page.

How do I add my OpenWeatherMap API key to WordPress?

In your WordPress dashboard, go to your weather plugin’s settings and find the API key field. Paste your key there and save. For Location Weather specifically, go to Location Weather → Settings → API Settings, paste your key, and click Save Changes.

What is the difference between the free OpenWeatherMap API and One Call API 3.0?

The standard free API provides current weather and a 3-hourly forecast for 5 days at no cost, with no credit card required. One Call API 3.0 provides more granular hourly forecasts (48 hours), daily forecasts (8 days), and access to 47+ years of historical data — but requires a credit card to subscribe, even for its free tier of 1,000 calls/day.

Why is my OpenWeatherMap API key showing a 401 error?

A 401 error means the API key is invalid or not yet activated. Check for typos when copying the key, ensure there are no extra spaces, and if the key was just created, wait up to 2 hours for it to become active.

Can I use one OpenWeatherMap API key on multiple websites?

Yes. One API key can be used across multiple sites. However, the total call count across all uses is tracked against your account’s plan limit. If you want to track usage per site separately, you can create additional free API keys within the same account.

Do I need to pay for the OpenWeatherMap API key for a WordPress weather plugin?

For most WordPress weather plugin use cases — including Location Weather — the standard free OpenWeatherMap API key is sufficient. You only need a paid plan if your site generates an unusually high volume of weather data requests or if you need features exclusive to paid plans (such as One Call minute-by-minute forecasts or professional map layers).

Go Beyond the API Key: Meet Location Weather 🌤️

Location Weather is a WordPress plugin trusted by 20,000+ users that connects directly to your OpenWeatherMap API key and turns it into stunning, live weather displays — current conditions, hourly and daily forecasts, AQI, sun and moon data, interactive weather maps, and more. No coding, no complexity.

Key Features of Location Weather

Why developers and site owners choose Location Weather?

Get Started with Location Weather

Read the API Key Setup Guide
Step-by-step documentation for connecting your OpenWeatherMap key

See All Live Weather Blocks
Preview every weather block before you install

Explore Location Weather
Unlock extended forecasts, historical data, AI assistant, auto-location detection & more

Information sourced from OpenWeatherMap official documentation, OpenWeather FAQ, and Location Weather API integration guidelines. Pricing and plan details are accurate as of June 2026 — check openweathermap.org/price for the latest.