Cardiff, UK Clear Sky Chart

Cardiff, UK (51.48°, -3.18°) · Updated 01:35 GMT
35
Poor
medium confidence ⓘ
medium · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has shifted a little across recent updates — worth a re-check closer to dusk. 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 · MOON UP 04:00–05:00 (1h)
Partly cloudy with some clear gaps but bright moonlight limits faint objects. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters.
Sunset
16:51
Sunrise
07:02
Usable Hours
2/6
Moon
81%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars49° SE
♃ Jupiter43° SE
♄ Saturn40° S
⛢ Uranus59° S
♆ Neptune38° S
Sky darkness
City sky (Bortle 8-9)
SQM 18.2, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Cardiff, UK Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Cardiff, UK

Cardiff's Bortle 6–7 skies benefit from quick access to the Brecon Beacons National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Reserve just 40 minutes north — one of only a handful in the world. The park's Bortle 2–3 skies make it outstanding for deep-sky observing. South Wales' coastal position means Atlantic weather systems move through regularly, but clearances behind cold fronts are often superb. The southern horizon is unobstructed toward the Bristol Channel, making it good for low-declination targets.

Cardiff, UK Stargazing FAQ

Where is the best place to stargaze near Cardiff?∨
The Brecon Beacons National Park, just 40 minutes north, is an International Dark Sky Reserve with Bortle 2-3 skies — one of only a handful in the world. It's one of the UK's premier stargazing destinations.
Can you see the Milky Way from the Brecon Beacons?∨
Yes — the Brecon Beacons' Dark Sky Reserve status means the Milky Way is clearly visible on moonless nights. The best views are from elevated spots away from the A-road corridors.
When is the best time to stargaze in Cardiff?∨
Late autumn and winter offer the longest nights. Post-frontal clearances after Atlantic weather systems pass through often bring excellent transparency. The Milky Way core is best seen from April to September.

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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