TONIGHT · Sun, Nov 8More reliable forecast
100/100Promising0% cloud in best window · Waning Crescent (2% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 6:19 PM GMT-8
Best 3-hour window: 7 PM–10 PM GMT-8
UPDATED HOURLY
Is Tonight Good for Stargazing in Los Angeles?
Tonight’s observing conditions and the next seven-night outlook for Los Angeles, United States.
TONIGHT · Sun, Nov 8
Los Angeles
100/100
Promising conditions for stargazing
Observing night: evening → morning · America/Los_Angeles
Window dates: Nov 8, 2026 19:00 → Nov 8, 2026 22:00
Tonight means the evening of the first date through the following morning, in the city’s time zone—not the night that just ended.
Updated · Time zone: America/Los_Angeles.
The server snapshot is cached for up to one hour.
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? Promising. The strongest three-hour window is 7 PM–10 PM GMT-8, with 0% forecast cloud and 2% illuminated.
Based on the strongest continuous three-hour combination of hourly cloud, visibility and humidity after astronomical dusk.
Tonight, hour by hour
One-hour forecast intervals within astronomical darkness. Highlighted rows are the exact three hours used for tonight’s score. Scores are rounded; their average is rounded again.
Compare the hours
Lines use the same values as the table. Gaps mean unknown data; cloud layers overlap and are not added. The shaded band marks the existing best three-hour window, where available. America/Los_Angeles
- Total cloud
- Low cloud
- Middle cloud
- High cloud
Selected hour: 2026-11-08 19:00
Total cloud: 0% · Low cloud: 0% · Middle cloud: 0% · High cloud: 0%
| Local date / time | Score | Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Best window | 100/100 | 0% |
| Best window | 100/100 | 0% |
| Best window | 100/100 | 0% |
| Other dark hour | 100/100 | 0% |
| Other dark hour | 100/100 | 0% |
| Other dark hour | 100/100 | 1% |
| Other dark hour | 100/100 | 4% |
| Other dark hour | 100/100 | 0% |
| Other dark hour | 100/100 | 0% |
Why this score?
Largest modeled deductions in the selected window—not a visibility guarantee.
- No large modeled deductions in this window. Check target position, local lights and site access separately.
THIS WEEK
What is the best night for stargazing in Los Angeles this week?
Tonight has the strongest whole-night average in this seven-night outlook. Its best three-hour window scores 100/100. Forecasts can change, so check again before leaving.
Whole-night averages
Tonight 100/100 · recommended night Nov 8, 2026: 100/100. This ranking uses all scored dark hours, not each card’s best three hours. Later-night values are indicative, not precise hourly forecasts.
NEXT 7 NIGHTS
Choose a better night to observe
Best upcoming night: Sun, Nov 8 · 100/100
Mon, Nov 9More reliable forecast
44/100Challenging90% cloud in best window · New Moon (0% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 6:19 PM GMT-8
Best 3-hour window: 7 PM–10 PM GMT-8
Tue, Nov 10More reliable forecast
100/100Promising0% cloud in best window · New Moon (0% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 6:18 PM GMT-8
Best 3-hour window: 7 PM–10 PM GMT-8
Wed, Nov 11Forecast may change
TrendPromising0% nightly average cloud · Waxing Crescent (3% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 6:17 PM GMT-8
Indicative only — check again closer to the date.
Thu, Nov 12Forecast may change
TrendFair42% nightly average cloud · Waxing Crescent (7% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 6:17 PM GMT-8
Indicative only — check again closer to the date.
Fri, Nov 13Check again closer to the date
TrendChallenging100% nightly average cloud · Waxing Crescent (14% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 6:16 PM GMT-8
Indicative only — check again closer to the date.
Sat, Nov 14Check again closer to the date
TrendPromising40% nightly average cloud · Waxing Crescent (22% illuminated)
Astronomical dusk: 6:16 PM GMT-8
Indicative only — check again closer to the date.
Best-night ranking compares each whole-night average. The first three cards display the best three-hour score; days 4–7 show only an indicative trend. Check again before travelling.
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2% illuminated · Check Moon phase and planning
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 9.1 μg/m³ · AOD 0.09
Optics dew indicator
7Timer ASTRO model
Local time
Higher values may reduce transparency
Aurora visibility tonight
Choose a location to load NOAA activity and local conditions.
What this forecast means in Los Angeles
Los Angeles combines strong urban skyglow with coastal haze and occasional smoke. A low cloud percentage does not guarantee deep-sky contrast, so compare high cloud, visibility and smoke risk and confirm current fire or access conditions before a longer trip.
HUMAN-REVIEWED OPTIONS
Where to try stargazing near Los Angeles
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.
Central Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory
Good for: Moon, planets and beginner observing
A practical urban option with astronomy facilities and scheduled public telescope activities.
Before you go: City light limits faint objects. Check the observatory’s current calendar, parking rules and building hours before visiting.
Information checked: 2026-10-31
Santa Monica Mountains · west of the city
Malibu Creek State Park
Good for: Bright deep-sky objects and wider horizons
More separation from central Los Angeles and broad mountain-valley views; California State Parks has hosted after-dark programs here.
Before you go: Day-use parking is currently listed as 8am–10pm. Arrive early and verify closures, fire restrictions and the latest exit time.
Information checked: 2026-10-31
Desert · a long drive east of Los Angeles
Joshua Tree designated stargazing areas
Good for: Milky Way, meteor showers and astrophotography
An International Dark Sky Park with official viewing areas at Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock and Ryan Mountain.
Before you go: This is a destination trip, not a nearby city park. Carry water, use red lights, stay near your vehicle and avoid day-use-only areas after dusk.
Information checked: 2026-10-31
Review dates are shown per option. Confirm current access, weather, transport and local safety before leaving.
Find a darker place to observe
Search your destination on a light-pollution map, or browse certified Dark Sky Places. These are external planning resources, not additional live forecast data.
A dark map color does not guarantee clear skies, legal nighttime access or safety. Check the map layer and date, then confirm opening hours, permits, transport and local conditions with the site's operator. These links do not send your coordinates automatically.
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.