TONIGHT · Thu, Sep 24More reliable forecast
69/100Fair0% cloud in best window · Waxing Gibbous (95% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:48 PM GMT+1
Best 3-hour window: 9 PM–12 AM GMT+1
UPDATED HOURLY
Is Tonight Good for Stargazing in London?
Tonight’s observing conditions and the next seven-night outlook for London, United Kingdom.
Updated · Time zone: Europe/London.
TONIGHT · Thu, Sep 24
London
69/100
Fair conditions for stargazing
The score includes forecast sky conditions and a Moon-phase proxy after astronomical dusk. Moonrise, local light pollution and site access are not scored; bright planets and faint deep-sky targets have different requirements.
Is tonight good for stargazing? Fair. The strongest three-hour window is 9 PM–12 AM GMT+1, with 0% forecast cloud and 95% illuminated.
Based on the strongest continuous three-hour combination of hourly cloud, visibility and humidity after astronomical dusk.
THIS WEEK
What is the best night for stargazing in London this week?
Tonight is currently the highest-rated option in the next seven nights at 69/100. Forecasts can change, so check again before leaving.
NEXT 7 NIGHTS
Choose a better night to observe
Best upcoming night: Thu, Sep 24 · 69/100
Fri, Sep 25More reliable forecast
15/100Poor82% cloud in best window · Full Moon (99% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:45 PM GMT+1
Best 3-hour window: 9 PM–12 AM GMT+1
Sat, Sep 26More reliable forecast
14/100Poor85% cloud in best window · Full Moon (100% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:43 PM GMT+1
Best 3-hour window: 4 AM–7 AM GMT+1
Sun, Sep 27Forecast may change
0/100Poor100% nightly average cloud · Full Moon (99% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:40 PM GMT+1
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
Mon, Sep 28Forecast may change
15/100Poor76% nightly average cloud · Waning Gibbous (96% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:38 PM GMT+1
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
Tue, Sep 29Check again closer to the date
0/100Poor100% nightly average cloud · Waning Gibbous (91% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:35 PM GMT+1
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
Wed, Sep 30Check again closer to the date
31/100Poor61% nightly average cloud · Waning Gibbous (84% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 8:33 PM GMT+1
Trend only — check again closer to the date.
The first three nights include hourly detail. Days 4–7 are more likely to change, so check again before travelling.
95% illuminated · check local moonrise and moonset
Same three-hour window as the score
Local time
Current surface visibility
CURRENT SNAPSHOT, LAYER BY LAYER
Professional observing conditions
These are current forecast fields; the tonight score above uses the best three-hour window. Compare both with local conditions before travelling.
Near-surface layer
Middle atmosphere
Thin cloud can spread skyglow
PM2.5 4.2 μg/m³ · AOD 0.20
Optics dew indicator
7Timer ASTRO model
Local time
Higher values may reduce transparency
What this forecast means in London
London’s skyglow and frequent layered cloud can reduce contrast even when surface visibility looks acceptable. Summer nights are also short at this latitude, so astronomical darkness and high cloud deserve as much attention as the headline cloud percentage.
HUMAN-REVIEWED OPTIONS
Where to try stargazing near London
These are planning candidates, not guarantees of darkness, safety or nighttime access. A site may close before the forecast’s best window; compare its posted hours with the recommended time.
North London
Hampstead Heath
Good for: Moon, planets and bright constellations
Elevated open areas offer broad sky views while remaining reachable by public transport.
Before you go: Use open, familiar areas and review current Heath rules. The constabulary’s published patrol hours do not mean every area is equally suitable late at night.
Southwest London
Richmond Park
Good for: Meteor showers and wider-field observing
London’s largest Royal Park provides extensive open grassland and more separation from the city centre.
Before you go: Pedestrian gates are normally open 24/7, but night closures apply during deer culls and vehicle gates close at dusk. Check current notices.
Southwest London · near Hampton Court
Bushy Park
Good for: Bright deep-sky targets and meteor watching
Large, flat open spaces can provide wider horizons than central London parks.
Before you go: Pedestrian gates are normally open 24/7, with seasonal deer-cull exceptions; vehicle gates close at dusk. Avoid disturbing wildlife.
Official information reviewed August 20, 2026. Always confirm current access, weather, transport and local safety conditions before leaving.
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Sources and accuracy note
This forecast combines public model data with local astronomical calculations. Missing upstream fields are shown honestly rather than estimated without support.