Free tool

METAR Decoder

Type an airport code to pull its live report, or paste any raw METAR, and read it back in plain English. The decoder pulls out the station, observation time and age, wind, visibility, sky and ceiling, temperature and dewpoint, and altimeter — then badges the conditions with the standard VFR, MVFR, IFR, or LIFR flight category so you know at a glance whether it's a day to fly.

Flight category follows the FAA ceiling and visibility thresholds and always takes the more restrictive of the two. For training and situational awareness — always brief official weather sources before flight.

Or paste a raw METAR

Examples

Flight categoryVFR

Ceiling greater than 3,000 ft AGL and visibility greater than 5 SM.KJQF · 301853Z

StationKJQF

Observed (UTC)301853Z

Wind250° at 12 kt, gusting 18 kt

Visibility10 SM

Sky / ceilingCLR

Temp / dewpoint18°C / 12°C

Altimeter30.12 inHg

Plain English

Wind 250° at 12 kt, gusting 18
Visibility 10 SM
Sky clear
Temp 18°C / Dew 12°C
Altimeter 30.12 inHg

For training and situational awareness — always brief official weather sources before flight. Meter-based visibility (e.g. 0800) and other non-US groups aren't decoded.

More pilot tools

This is one of a growing set of free pilot tools. For the concepts behind flight categories, ceilings, and the rest of the weather picture, see the study guide.