Shanghai, China Stargazing Forecast

Shanghai, China (31.23°, 121.47°) · Updated 03:02 UTC
55
Mixed
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast lead time

Based on how far ahead tonight is, forecasts are most reliable within 24–48 hours.

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

Worth a short session
BEST 12:00–20:00 (8h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower active.
Sunset
10:50
Sunrise
21:10
Usable Hours
8/8
Moon
98%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars22° E
♄ Saturn61° 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 Shanghai, China

Shanghai, one of the world's largest cities, has intense Bortle 9 light pollution across the metropolis and the densely developed Yangtze Delta around it, making genuinely dark skies a real drive away. The hills of Zhejiang to the south-west offer the nearest relief, reaching Bortle 4–5 within two to three hours. The humid, hazy subtropical climate brings frequent cloud, so clear, dry days following autumn and winter cold fronts are the best opportunities. At 31.2°N, the southern sky is well placed, with the summer Milky Way visible from a dark site.

Shanghai, China Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Shanghai?∨
The densely developed Yangtze Delta means dark skies are a real drive away. The hills of Zhejiang to the south-west offer the nearest relief, reaching Bortle 4-5 within two to three hours.
Is Shanghai good for astronomy?∨
The city itself has some of the most intense light pollution anywhere (Bortle 9), and the humid climate adds haze. Serious dark-sky observing requires travelling well beyond the delta region.
When is the best time to stargaze near Shanghai?∨
Clear, dry days following autumn and winter cold fronts offer the best transparency. The subtropical summer is humid and hazy with frequent cloud. The Milky Way core is best in summer from a dark site.

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.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Every shower this year — peak dates, expected rates, moon interference, and the two you absolutely cannot miss.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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