Birmingham, UK Clear Sky Chart

Birmingham, UK (52.49°, -1.89°) · Updated 18:01 GMT
30
Poor
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.

Probably skip tonight
Partly cloudy with some clear gaps but bright moonlight limits faint objects. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters.
Sunset
16:45
Sunrise
06:58
Usable Hours
0/12
Moon
89%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars48° SE
♃ Jupiter42° SE
♄ Saturn39° S
⛢ Uranus58° S
♆ Neptune37° S
Sky darkness
City sky (Bortle 8-9)
SQM 17.8, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Birmingham, UK Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Birmingham, UK

As the UK's second city, Birmingham has Bortle 7–8 light pollution, but Shropshire's hills to the west and the Clun Forest area offer some of the darkest skies in England within an hour's drive. The Midlands' central position means you're never far from rural darkness. Summers can be hazy, but autumn and winter high-pressure systems bring excellent transparency. The Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn are reliable targets even from the suburbs.

Birmingham, UK Stargazing FAQ

Where is the nearest dark sky site to Birmingham?∨
The Clun Forest area in Shropshire, about an hour west, offers some of England's darkest skies. The Peak District to the north and the Brecon Beacons to the south-west are also within 90 minutes.
Can you see planets from Birmingham?∨
Yes — Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars are all easily visible from Birmingham on clear nights, even with the city's Bortle 7-8 light pollution. The Moon's craters are stunning through even a small telescope.
When is the best time to stargaze in Birmingham?∨
November through February offers the darkest, longest nights. High-pressure systems bring the clearest conditions. Check the hourly breakdown on ClearSkys to find tonight's best viewing window.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky: and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Best Places to Stargaze: UK Dark Sky Sites

Certified dark sky sites, hidden gems, and how to find the darkest skies near you.

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