How an API Call Is Counted

Understanding how API calls are measured helps you manage your usage effectively, especially on limited plans. Tomorrow.io counts calls based on the type of request and the data requested.

What Counts as One API Call?

At its most basic:

1 endpoint + 1 location = 1 API call

For example:

• Calling the /realtime endpoint with one lat/lon location returns current conditions for that location.
• This counts as one API call, regardless of how many fields are included in the response.

Forecast Calls

When you request forecasts (e.g., using /forecast or /weather/forecast), one call returns all available timesteps (e.g., hourly, daily, minutely—depending on your plan) for a single location. This still counts as one call.

Tip: Each forecast type (realtime, hourly, daily, etc.) requires a separate API call if requested individually.

Note: Rate limits and usage thresholds vary by plan. See Free API Rate Limits for details.
Learn more in How to Use the Tomorrow.io API. 

Map Tiles

Each request to the Map Tile API—for a single tile (X, Y, Z coordinates)—is counted as one API call. Tiles are PNG images representing weather data (such as precipitation or wind) over a specific area, defined by the zoom level.

Example: Requesting the current precipitation tile for a zoomed-in area will count as one call, just like a single location forecast. Learn more about using visual map tiles.

Widgets

Tomorrow.io widgets are also metered similarly: Each update or refresh of the widget’s forecast counts as one API call. 

Tracking Usage and Rate Limits

You can track your daily and monthly API usage by signing into your Tomorrow.io account and navigating to the Development section.

If you'd prefer to check programmatically, each API response includes rate limit headers that indicate:

• Your plan’s total limit
• The number of remaining calls

Note: Rate limit headers are only available to Enterprise accounts.
Need more capacity? Contact sales@tomorrow.io.

The API limits reset at midnight UTC. When checking remaining limits, make sure your timezone settings are aligned to avoid confusion.

Need Help?

For full guidance on integrating the API, visit our API Documentation, read our article on Using the Tomorrow.io API, or reach out to support@tomorrow.io