METAR Decoder

Free METAR decoder: paste any METAR or SPECI, or load the latest report for an airport, and read every group in plain English, wind, visibility, RVR, weather, clouds, temperature, QNH, trend and runway state.

Paste a METAR or load one by ICAO code.

Every group, explained

The decoder follows the ICAO format used worldwide and the common US variants (visibility in statute miles, altimeter in inches, CLR). Groups it does not recognise are shown as they are instead of being guessed. Everything after RMK is national remarks and is left as written.

Every FL340 airport page shows the live METAR with a Decode button, and the TAF with the group valid right now highlighted. Looking up a single contraction? Try the aviation abbreviations.

Frequently asked questions

›How do I read a METAR?

Read it left to right: report type and station, day and time (UTC), wind, visibility, runway visual range, present weather, cloud, temperature/dew point, pressure (QNH) and finally a trend. Paste one above to see each group explained.

›Is METAR wind direction true or magnetic?

True. METAR and TAF winds are given in degrees true, while ATIS and tower winds are magnetic like runway numbers. The decoder labels METAR wind as true for that reason.

›What does CAVOK mean?

Ceiling and visibility OK: visibility 10 km or more, no cloud below 5,000 ft or below the highest minimum sector altitude, no cumulonimbus or towering cumulus, and no significant weather.

›What is the difference between Q and A pressure groups?

Q1013 is QNH in hectopascals, used outside North America. A2992 is the altimeter setting in inches of mercury, used in the US and Canada. The decoder converts inches to hectopascals for you.

›What do R24L/250151 style groups mean?

That is a runway state group used mostly in Russia and parts of Europe: runway 24L, deposit (2 = wet), extent (5 = 26–50%), depth (01 = 1 mm) and friction (51 = 0.51). The decoder spells it out.

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