There are a number of methods to import weather data into Google Sheets that are suitable for different needs and technical abilities. This guide focuses on utilizing Google Sheets' built-in functions like IMPORTDATA, which offers a straightforward way to integrate weather information directly into your sheets without the need for complex scripting or API management.
Follow the steps below to easily import weather data into Google Sheets.
To start, navigate to the Visual Crossing website. If you're new, sign up for a free account to access up to 1000 weather forecasts per day. Existing users can simply log in.
Once logged in, find the Query Builder tool on the website. This feature allows you to create detailed weather data queries based on your needs.
In the Query Builder, input the specific location you're interested in. You can use a city name, ZIP code, or even latitude and longitude coordinates. The system will use this to pinpoint the exact weather forecast for your area.
Decide on the length of the forecast you require. For instance, selecting "Next 15 days" will generate a two-week weather forecast. The Query Builder provides various options to suit your needs.
After setting your parameters, the Query Builder will offer a preview of your weather forecast. This helps you verify the data before importing it into Google Sheets.
Look for the API button in the Query Builder to reveal the query URL. Ensure the output format is set to CSV for Google Sheets compatibility.
Copy this URL, which includes your API key if you're logged in.
Open Google Sheets and select a cell to start. Use the formula =IMPORTDATA("Your Copied URL"), replacing "Your Copied URL" with the one you obtained. This imports your weather data directly into the spreadsheet.
Once your data is imported, you might need to adjust its format for clarity and usability. For example, you can format the date columns to match your regional settings and split data into separate columns for better analysis.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to import weather data into Google Sheets. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to repeat header row in Google Sheets or our article on fixing the error “Your access has expired” in Google Sheets.
