Sierra Nevada, Spain Stargazing Forecast

Sierra Nevada, Spain (37.06°, -3.38°) · Updated 03:06 UTC
72
Good
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.

Worth a look tonight
BEST 00:00–04:00 (4h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25).
Sunset
19:22
Sunrise
05:17
Usable Hours
4/4
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars19° E
♄ Saturn54° SE
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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 Sierra Nevada, Spain

The Sierra Nevada in southern Spain, near Granada, hosts a major professional observatory at 2,800m and offers some of mainland Europe's darkest, clearest skies. The high-altitude, dry Andalusian climate delivers Bortle 2 conditions with excellent transparency and over 300 clear nights a year. At 37.1°N — the lowest latitude of any European hub city here — the southern sky is exceptionally well presented, with the summer Milky Way core standing high and southern objects visible that are difficult from northern Europe. The Sierra Nevada Observatory and nearby Calar Alto reflect the region's importance to European astronomy.

Sierra Nevada, Spain Stargazing FAQ

Is the Sierra Nevada good for stargazing?∨
Excellent — the high-altitude (2,800m), dry southern Spanish climate gives Bortle 2 skies with over 300 clear nights a year. It hosts a major professional observatory and presents the southern sky beautifully at 37°N.
What can you see from the Sierra Nevada that's hard to see further north?∨
At 37.1°N, the summer Milky Way core stands high, and southern objects low on the horizon for northern Europe — parts of Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Centaurus — are much better placed.
When is the best time to stargaze in the Sierra Nevada?∨
Late spring through autumn offers the high Milky Way core and dry, clear nights. The high altitude means cold nights year-round. The dry Andalusian climate keeps clear nights frequent in every season.

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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