ColorfulClouds API

Weather / API Key Intermediate HTTPS CORS
Varies by plan (check documentation)

Overview

ColorfulClouds (Caiyun Weather) is a Chinese weather API that delivers real-time and forecast weather data with minute-level precipitation predictions. It is especially useful for apps targeting users in China, offering hyperlocal rainfall forecasting. Getting started requires signing up for an API key on the Caiyun open platform.

💡

Beginner Tip

Set your API key as part of the request URL path. Start with the real-time weather endpoint to verify your key before exploring forecast and alert endpoints.

Available Data

temperature
weather conditions
humidity
wind speed
forecast data
color hex codes and names

Example Response

JSON Response
{
  "location": "Tokyo",
  "temperature": {
    "current": 22,
    "feels_like": 24,
    "min": 18,
    "max": 26
  },
  "condition": "Partly Cloudy",
  "humidity": 65,
  "wind": {
    "speed": 12,
    "direction": "NE"
  },
  "forecast": [
    {
      "date": "2025-01-16",
      "high": 25,
      "low": 17,
      "condition": "Sunny"
    }
  ]
}

Field Reference

result.realtime.temperature Current air temperature in degrees Celsius.
result.realtime.precipitation.local.intensity Current precipitation intensity at the requested location in mm/h.
result.realtime.skycon Sky condition code such as CLEAR_DAY, RAIN, or CLOUDY.
result.realtime.wind.speed Wind speed in km/h at the current moment.
result.realtime.humidity Relative humidity as a fraction between 0 and 1.

Implementation Example

const url = "https://open.caiyunapp.com/ColorfulClouds_Weather_API";
// Replace headers or query params with the values required by this API.
const response = await fetch(url, {
  headers: {
  "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
  }
});
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);

What Can You Build?

Note: These code examples are AI-generated and unverified. Always refer to the official API documentation for accurate usage.

Common Errors & Troubleshooting

401 Unauthorized Missing or invalid API token in the request URL.
Add your token as a path segment: /v2.6/YOUR_API_KEY/lon,lat/realtime.json
Coordinates out of range Latitude and longitude values are reversed or outside supported regions (primarily China).
Use decimal coordinates in the format longitude,latitude (e.g., 116.33,39.90 for Beijing).
Request quota exceeded Free-tier accounts have a limited number of daily calls.
Check your usage dashboard and upgrade your plan or reduce polling frequency.

Matrix Score Breakdown

🌐 Reachability 30/30
⚡ Speed 10/20
🔒 Security 15/15
🛠 Developer XP 17/20
✓ Reliability 10/15

Partially tested on Apr 5, 2026

Technical Specifications

Auth API Key
HTTPS REQUIRED
CORS YES
Category Weather
Difficulty Intermediate
Verified: 2026-04-04

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