METAR Decoder

Summary

The METAR Decoder takes a raw METAR observation string and parses every encoded field into plain English. It handles standard ICAO METAR format including station ID, observation time, wind direction and speed with gusts, visibility in statute miles or meters, present weather phenomena (rain, snow, fog, thunderstorms), sky condition and cloud layers, temperature and dew point, altimeter setting, and free-text remarks. All processing runs entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server.

How it works

1. Paste or type a raw METAR string into the input field (e.g. KJFK 041551Z 27018KT 10SM FEW055 BKN120 22/10 A2985).
2. Click "Decode METAR" or press Enter to parse the report.
3. The tool splits the string into its ICAO-defined groups and identifies each token.
4. Each decoded field is displayed with its raw token, a plain-English label, and the interpreted value.
5. Wind speeds appear in both knots and mph; altimeter is shown in both inHg and hPa.
6. Unknown or non-standard tokens are flagged so you can look them up.

Use cases

• Quickly understand a METAR during flight planning without memorizing all codes.
• Teach student pilots how METAR reports are structured.
• Verify weather minimums for VFR or IFR operations.
• Cross-check decoded values against ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot.
• Decode historical METARs from NOAA archives for analysis.
• Use as a study aid when preparing for the FAA written exam.

Frequently Asked Questions