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.
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, and remarks are shown but never interpreted.
Free, no signup needed
Next step
- METAR and TAF codes sheet (printable)
- Run the Go / No-Go on this weather
- Flight Service sheet — the briefing (printable)
- Find your weak areas — the free 24-question Readiness Test, scored by knowledge area.
- Create a free account for the full bank: 2,074 verified questions with the FAA source on every answer, a timed practice exam, and a missed-questions drill.
The Private Pilot Quick-Review Study Guide covers this in the weather chapter. It is in CFI review and not on sale yet; the guide page has the list for launch notes.