Austin, US Stargazing Forecast

Austin, US (30.27°, -97.74°) · Updated 11:05 UTC
48
Mixed
high confidence
high · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has held steady across recent updates. We compare how much tonight's score has moved across our recent forecast updates, a score that's held steady is more trustworthy.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Marginal, check the window
BEST 02:00–07:00 (5h)
Mostly clear skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Some haze, so transparency is slightly reduced.
Sunset
01:26
Sunrise
11:48
Usable Hours
6/9
Moon
100%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars23° E
♄ Saturn62° S
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Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Austin, US

Austin benefits from the Texas Hill Country — Bortle 4 skies are available within 45 minutes heading west. Canyon of the Eagles and Enchanted Rock are popular nearby dark-sky sites. Central Texas gets around 220 clear nights per year, with autumn and winter bringing the driest, most transparent conditions. Austin's latitude (30°N) provides excellent access to southern-sky objects. The Texas Star Party in the Davis Mountains (6 hours west) offers some of the darkest skies in the continental US.

Austin, US Stargazing FAQ

Where is the best dark sky near Austin?
The Texas Hill Country offers Bortle 4 skies within 45 minutes heading west. Canyon of the Eagles and Enchanted Rock are popular nearby sites. The McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains (6 hours west) has some of the darkest skies in the continental US.
How many clear nights does Austin get?
Central Texas gets around 220 clear nights per year. Autumn and winter bring the driest, most transparent conditions. Summer can be hazy but the Milky Way core is best positioned then.
Is Austin good for stargazing?
Austin's combination of Hill Country access, high clear-night count, and low latitude (30°N) makes it one of the better US cities for stargazing. Southern-sky objects like Scorpius and Sagittarius are especially rewarding.