One is the climate, the other introduces alternatives.
Noun. The atmospheric conditions outside: rain, sun, temperature, wind, and so on.
The weather today is perfect for a picnic.
El clima de hoy es perfecto para un picnic.
I always check the weather before going out.
Siempre reviso el clima antes de salir.
The bad weather delayed our flight.
El mal tiempo retrasó nuestro vuelo.
Conjunction. Introduces alternatives or expresses doubt, similar to 'if' in indirect questions.
I'm not sure whether to go or stay.
No estoy seguro de si ir o quedarme.
It doesn't matter whether you agree or not.
No importa si estás de acuerdo o no.
We need to decide whether to take the bus.
Necesitamos decidir si tomar el autobús.
Common mistake
Writing 'weather' when you mean 'whether'. Wrong: "I don't know weather to call him." (correct: whether)
Trick to remember it
Talking about rain, sun, or temperature? Use 'weather'. Introducing an alternative ('if... or...')? Use 'whether'.
Quick rule
Talking about rain, sun, or temperature? Use 'weather'. Introducing an alternative ('if... or...')? Use 'whether'.
Did you know?
'Weather' can also be a verb: 'to weather a storm' means to survive a difficult situation. 'They weathered the crisis well' is a common expression in business English, borrowed from ships that survive rough seas.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
The ____ in London is often cloudy and rainy.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
I can't decide ____ to order pizza or sushi.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Talking about rain, sun, or temperature? Use 'weather'. Introducing an alternative ('if... or...')? Use 'whether'.
Writing 'weather' when you mean 'whether'. Wrong: "I don't know weather to call him." (correct: whether)
Talking about rain, sun, or temperature? Use 'weather'. Introducing an alternative ('if... or...')? Use 'whether'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy