How to check weather for cycling
Most cyclists check a standard weather app before riding. But a city forecast doesn't tell you what matters most — wind on your specific route, rain timing at each segment, or temperature at your highest point. Here's how to check cycling weather properly.
See wind, rain and temperature along every kilometre of your route — not just at the start.
Why a city forecast isn't enough
The right way to check weather for cycling is to think about your route, not your location. Wind matters relative to which direction you're riding. Rain matters depending on when it hits each section of your route. Temperature matters at elevation, not just at the start. RouteWeather is built around these questions.
What changes along a long route
- Wind speed and direction change across passes and valleys
- Temperature drops ~6–7 °C per 1000 m of elevation gain
- Rain and storm timing differs from city to mountain
- Your start time determines whether you ride into headwind or tailwind
- Weather windows shift depending on how long your ride takes
See it in action
Check weather the right wayFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between a city forecast and a route forecast?
A city forecast shows conditions at one point — usually a lowland weather station. A route forecast maps conditions to every kilometre of your GPS line, adjusting for elevation, terrain and travel direction. For rides over 50 km with any elevation change, the difference is significant.
Which weather app is best for cyclists?
For general conditions, apps like Windy or Meteoblue provide useful wind and rain visualisations. But for route-specific planning, RouteWeather overlays forecasts onto your actual GPX or Strava route — so you see conditions where you actually ride, not just at your home pin.
Does weather change along a long route?
Yes — and knowing how it changes is the key to checking weather for cycling properly. Upload your route to RouteWeather and see wind, rain and temperature for every segment before you ride.