The best weather apps in the UK

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, organising a picnic, or just trying to avoid a surprise shower, having a reliable weather app on your phone is a must.

Here in the UK, where the weather can change in a blink, the right app can save your day. With so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose?

We’ve done the legwork for you and rounded up the best weather apps that’ll keep you ahead of the weather curve.

1. Met Office Weather App

When it comes to UK weather, who better to trust than the Met Office itself? The Met Office Weather App is one of the most accurate sources for up-to-date weather information in the UK. It offers detailed forecasts, including hour-by-hour breakdowns and even severe weather warnings.

The app is particularly handy if you need to know about sudden changes, like unexpected downpours that could ruin your day out.

What we love:

• Reliable alerts: Get notified about extreme weather conditions.

• In-depth information: From UV levels to pollen counts, it's got you covered.

👉 Download it here: App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

2. BBC Weather

Another household name in the UK, the BBC Weather app, is a user-friendly and trustworthy option. It offers a straightforward interface with all the essential details—hourly updates, 10-day forecasts, and even handy tips on how the weather might impact your plans.

BBC Weather is a great choice for those who want accurate forecasts without all the frills.

Why it’s a winner:

• Simple and clear: Easy-to-read and navigate.

• Multiple locations: Keep tabs on different places simultaneously.

👉 Download it here: App Store or Google Play.

3. AccuWeather

For those who want a bit more depth, AccuWeather is your go-to app. Known for its minute-by-minute forecasts and high accuracy, AccuWeather is perfect for anyone who needs precise updates.

Whether you're a keen gardener, a hiker, or just someone who hates getting caught in the rain, AccuWeather’s ‘MinuteCast’ feature tells you exactly when the rain will start and stop at your location.

Standout features:

• MinuteCast: Hyper-localised, minute-by-minute weather updates.

• Radar maps: Interactive maps to track weather changes in real-time.

👉 You can get AccuWeather here: App Store or Google Play.

4. WeatherPro

If you’re after something a bit more detailed, WeatherPro is an excellent choice. With long-range forecasts, radar animations, and customisable widgets, it’s perfect for weather enthusiasts who like to dig into the data.

It even offers weather news, so you can stay informed about global weather events.

Why we recommend it:

• Radar and satellite Views: Perfect for tracking storms and rain clouds.

• Customisable widgets: Get the weather data you need right on your home screen.

👉 Download on the App Store or Google Play.

5. Apple Weather - Dark Sky

Although Dark Sky is no longer available as a standalone app in the UK, its legendary accuracy lives on through Apple’s built-in weather app. Known for its hyper-localised weather forecasting, Dark Sky's technology is now integrated into the Apple Weather app, providing precise predictions on when the rain will start and stop in your exact location.

It’s a great option if you’re already an iPhone user.

What’s smart:

• Hyper-local forecasts: Perfect for those “will it rain in the next 5 minutes?” moments.

• Clean design: Apple’s sleek interface makes it easy to get the info you need quickly.

You can read more about it on Apple’s official site.

A final tip from SMARTY

Before you head out, make sure your data plan can handle all those weather updates! With SMARTY, you get great value plans with no hidden fees or contracts, so you can check the weather as much as you like without worrying about your data.

If you’re looking for a flexible plan that lets you stay connected come rain or shine, check out our SIM-only plans.