CarPlay allows drivers to display content from their iPhone on the car’s in-dash screen, allowing you to stream anything from music, maps, messages, etc.
While this list may seem endless, that does not include weather apps – even though you can use the native weather app on your iPhone while driving (which we don’t recommend).
Luckily, some third-party weather apps are CarPlay-compatible!
The best CarPlay weather app for obtaining accurate weather information in your car is Weatherology. Alternatively, consider using the “Weather on the Way” app, which provides detailed weather updates along your route, functioning similarly to a weather radar.
You can also just ask Siri through CarPlay “what’s the weather like” for a quick response. See me ask Siri this in the video below:
If you’re looking for an app that can show you weather information in your car, CarPlay has you covered.
There are several options to choose from, and each one offers its own set of features and advantages.
This article will discuss the best CarPlay weather apps and recommend one that I think is the best overall.
Does Apple CarPlay Have an Official Weather App?
Apple CarPlay does not have an official weather app, but there are a few other options.
If you’re looking for free or low-cost apps that work with CarPlay, you can use third-party apps like Weatherology, Weather on the Way, Waze, and Airaw.
These are all really easy to use and display live data and give you access to radar info which is always helpful.
These apps work with most iOS smartphones and do not need any additional hardware (like a dashcam) when used with CarPlay.
☀️ Best CarPlay Weather App
When it comes to weather, most people want to know what is going on as soon as possible.
Luckily, there are a number of great CarPlay weather apps available that allow you to stay up-to-date with the latest conditions.
Here is my top pick for the best CarPlay weather app:
Weather On The Way
Weather on the Way is the most comprehensive and user-friendly CarPlay weather app available. Not only does it serve as a CarPlay navigation app, but it also provides real-time weather updates along your route.
This feature is particularly useful for lengthy journeys where an alternative route could mean the difference between snowstorms, tornadoes, heavy rain, or clear blue skies. Imagine a cross-country trip across the USA.
If you’re already familiar with weather radars, you’ll easily understand the color-coded system and arrows. However, if you’re new to them, here’s a quick guide:
- Blue, Purple: These colors indicate rain, with darker pinks and purples representing heavier rainfall.
- Arrows: The direction of the arrows shows the wind direction, while the size of the arrow indicates the wind speed.
How to use the Weather on the Way app
Using the Weather on the Way app is incredibly simple, but here are some step-by-step instructions to get you started:
- Download the CarPlay app from the Apple App Store. You can find the app here if you haven’t already installed it.
- Once downloaded, launch the app in CarPlay, tap the screen, and hit the search arrow in the top left corner. You’ll then be able to input your destination via voice search or manual typing.
- An overview of the route with various options will appear, including estimated time and weather conditions for each. Choose your preferred route and click start.
- Now you’re all set to go! You can easily switch between the driving view and the route view using the toggle on the left.
Note: The app utilizes Apple Maps, ensuring high-quality directions. However, I have not yet tested its traffic capabilities or CarPlay data usage.
Weather on the Way has quickly become one of my favorite CarPlay apps!
While it may not be a daily necessity, it’s incredibly handy for long drives or getting an overview of the day’s weather.
Weatherology
This app is widely considered one of the best CarPlay weather apps out there.
It has a sleek and modern design and provides accurate information in various languages. Plus, it has an excellent user interface that makes it easy to access all of the information you need.
Weatherology has many features, including hourly forecasts for major cities, precipitation predictions, and even custom alerts for specific locations.
Obviously, you’re reading this because of your interest in the CarPlay version of the app. So let’s break it now.
Weatherology CarPlay App Overview
Overall, the Weatherology carplay app doesn’t have many features, and I wouldn’t entirely recommend it in its current form.
All the app can do is display a list of sound bites from direct weather reports in your local area and then podcast-style audio about weather-related topics.
Here’s what the app said when I clicked my local area, “Trafford”:
Here’s a look at your weather forecast powered by weatherology.com, 12 degrees tonight under overcast skys, southwest winds 15-25 kilometers per hour [then tells the weather for the following days], and that your forecast”
If you want to hear the weather, you’re better off asking CarPlay Siri “what’s the weather like”, this is quicker and I find the information more useful.
Weatherology CarPlay App Bugs
While using the Weatholgy app, I encountered a few issues I wanted to share:
- Blank Screen: When clicking the player sections, the app would create a blank player screen. The play button would still work but was rather annoying. (See image above).
- Music Playing Over Forecast: I noticed while using the iPhone app and the CarPlay version, that if you had music playing, it would overlay the forecast in the background and not stop it. To fix this, you have to go back and pause your music first.
Hopefully, they will get fixed in the next app or CarPlay update.
If you’re still interested in installing the CarPlay version of the App, all you need to do is have the original version on your phone.
Find out how to do this in our article on downloading CarPlay apps.
Accuweather CarPlay: Is It Compatible?
Accuweather is not compatible with CarPlay. At first glance, you would assume that Accuweather is compatible with Apple CarPlay, but unfortunately, there is no way to use Accuweather within CarPlay. Instead, you’ll have to use a third-party app like Weatherology.
According to an Apple representative, CarPlay does not support apps like Accuweather because Apple wants its customers to focus on driving while using CarPlay.
While you can use it through voice commands if you have an iPhone 5s, 6, or later, those with older phones will be out of luck.
If you do have an older phone and a newer model vehicle equipped with CarPlay, there are still some options at your disposal.
Because Siri is one of Apple’s main selling points for CarPlay, and because she works hand-in-hand with Accuweather, you can use Siri to search for locations while using alternative applications like Google Maps or Waze.
Can I Get a CarPlay Weather Radar?
To obtain a weather radar, download the “Weather on the Way” app, which provides real-time weather forecasts for your immediate surroundings as well as anticipated conditions along your travel route. This is an excellent tool for long journeys, helping you avoid unexpected weather surprises.
Instead, say, “Hey Siri, what’s the weather”. Siri will then read out the weather in your current location. You can also ask for specific areas.
This is just one of the many CarPlay Siri commands available.
Alternative Options To Get Weather Information in Your Car
I’ve been asked many times if there are other alternatives to Accuweather or Weatherology, and I can’t think of any that do not require jailbreaking (jailbreaking is against Apple policy).
However, there are a couple of workarounds and other apps, like CarPlay navigation maps apps, that can give you the forecast on CarPlay. If you’re not happy with the above apps.
Waze
If all you want is a basic weather app with no bells or whistles, I recommend Waze.
This app offers forecasts for up to seven days in advance and detailed storm tracking information.
It’s also possible to access the app while on the go using CarPlay’s built-in Maps functionality.
You can also see reported weather-related hazards, as you see in the image below:
These include:
- Fog
- Hail
- Floods
- Ice
- Unplowed road
See the Waze CarPlay settings in our article.
Airaw
If you don’t mind jailbreaking your iPhone, try Airaw. This is another excellent weather application for your car that comes packed with features like detailed forecasts, a live camera feed, and interactive radar maps.
You can also get access to hourly updates on temperature and humidity levels in addition to rain reports at any location.
The best thing about this app is its simple design, making it easy to use even if you are driving on busy roads or highways at high speeds (upwards of 80 km/h or 49.7 mph).
Conclusion
CarPlay is proving to be a useful system, even if it still has room for improvement.
As with all Apple products, it may take some time for more weather apps to become fully compatible with CarPlay technology – but when they do (and they will), it will be great having access to so much useful data right on your dashboard.
