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

The kind of data this API exposes, based on its documentation. We could not call the endpoint to confirm the exact field names.

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

Example Response

Illustrative shape only — we were not able to call this endpoint (it requires credentials or exposes no public sample URL), so the fields below show the kind of data this API returns rather than a recorded response.

JSON Response · Illustrative
{
  "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

Calls a real endpoint of this API. Replace any placeholder credentials with your own key.

Request
const url = "https://api.caiyunapp.com/v2.6/YOUR_API_KEY/116.3352,39.9041/realtime.json";
// 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

Generated guidance based on this API's documentation, not observed by us. Treat it as a starting point and check against the provider's own error reference.

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.

Metadata Score Breakdown

Estimated from metadata — endpoint not independently tested

This score is estimated from observable metadata — HTTPS support, authentication model, declared CORS, and documentation reachability — because the API requires authentication or exposes no publicly testable endpoint. The five-signal breakdown is only shown for live-tested APIs.

Metadata estimate · endpoint not independently tested

Technical Specifications

Auth API Key
HTTPS REQUIRED
CORS YES
Category Weather
Difficulty Intermediate
Listing details not endpoint-verified

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