Oxford, UK Clear Sky Chart

Oxford, UK (51.75°, -1.26°) · Updated 14:34 GMT
22
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
BEST · MOON UP 23:00–00:00 (1h)
Mostly cloudy but bright moonlight limits faint objects. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters. Conditions are changeable, so check again closer to the time.
Sunset
16:44
Sunrise
06:53
Usable Hours
1/12
Moon
89%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars49° SE
♃ Jupiter43° SE
♄ Saturn40° S
⛢ Uranus59° S
♆ Neptune38° S
Sky darkness
Suburban (about Bortle 6)
SQM 19.2, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Oxford, UK Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Oxford, UK

Oxford's Bortle 6 skies benefit from surrounding Oxfordshire countryside that drops to Bortle 4 within 20 minutes. The Rollright Stones area in the Cotswolds is a popular dark-sky observing site. The city's academic astronomy heritage runs deep — the Radcliffe Observatory dates to 1773. Low-lying position in the Thames valley means occasional fog, but elevated areas nearby (the Ridgeway, Wittenham Clumps) offer clearer horizons.

Oxford, UK Stargazing FAQ

Where is the best dark sky near Oxford?∨
The Rollright Stones area in the Cotswolds is a popular dark-sky observing site, about 30 minutes north-west. Rural Oxfordshire reaches Bortle 4 within 20 minutes of the city.
Is Oxford good for stargazing?∨
Oxford's Bortle 6 skies are slightly better than average for a UK city. The surrounding countryside darkens quickly, and the city's academic astronomy heritage means there's an active observing community.
Can you see planets from Oxford?∨
Yes — Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars are easily visible from Oxford on clear nights. The Radcliffe Observatory quarter is a nod to the city's astronomical history dating back to 1773.

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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