Darwin, Australia Clear Sky Chart

Darwin, Australia (-12.46°, 130.84°) · Updated 00:02 ACST
49
Mixed
low confidence ⓘ
low · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast keeps changing between updates — the score is less certain; check again nearer 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 19:30–22:30 (3h)
Partly cloudy with some clear gaps with moderate moon interference. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn well placed tonight. Conditions are changeable, so check again closer to the time.
Sunset
18:46
Sunrise
06:14
Usable Hours
6/10
Moon
84%
Visible Planets
☿ Mercury12° W
♂ Mars42° NE
♃ Jupiter38° NE
♄ Saturn76° N
⛢ Uranus57° N
♆ Neptune78° N
Sky darkness
Suburban (about Bortle 6)
SQM 19.0, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Darwin, Australia Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Darwin, Australia

Darwin, in tropical northern Australia at 12.5°S, has a low-latitude sky where the galactic core passes almost directly overhead in winter — a breathtaking sight. The city's Bortle 6 glow gives way to dark Outback skies quickly, and the vast, sparsely populated Top End offers Bortle 2 darkness not far out. The tropical climate has a sharp dry/wet split: the dry season (May to October) brings clear, rainless nights ideal for observing, while the wet season is cloudy and stormy. The Magellanic Clouds and the rich southern Milky Way dominate the dry-season sky.

Darwin, Australia Stargazing FAQ

What makes Darwin's sky special?∨
At 12.5°S, Darwin's low latitude places the brilliant galactic core nearly overhead in winter — one of the most spectacular Milky Way views anywhere. The Magellanic Clouds and rich southern star fields are also superbly placed.
Where can I stargaze near Darwin?∨
The vast, sparsely populated Top End offers Bortle 2 dark skies not far from the city. Areas away from Darwin's Bortle 6 glow quickly reach genuine Outback darkness.
When is the best time to stargaze in Darwin?∨
The dry season, May to October, brings clear, rainless nights ideal for observing, with the galactic core high overhead. The wet season (November-April) is cloudy and stormy.