Washington DC, US Clear Sky Chart

Washington DC, US (38.91°, -77.04°) · Updated 21:36 EDT
62
Mixed
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 short session
BEST 20:00–22:00 (2h)
Near-perfect skies with moderate moon interference. Some dew risk later in the night.
Sunset
18:10
Sunrise
07:33
Usable Hours
11/11
Moon
79%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars57° SE
♃ Jupiter51° SE
♄ Saturn52° S
⛢ Uranus72° S
♆ Neptune51° S
Sky darkness
City sky (Bortle 8-9)
SQM 17.3, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full Washington DC, US Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Washington DC, US

Washington DC's Bortle 8 skies reflect the dense Mid-Atlantic megalopolis, but Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west offer Bortle 4 darkness within 90 minutes, with designated night-sky viewing areas along Skyline Drive. Further into West Virginia, Bortle 3 skies open up. The region's humid summers bring haze, while autumn and winter cold fronts deliver crisp, clear nights. At 38.9°N, DC has well-balanced northern-hemisphere skies, and the National Mall's monuments make a striking foreground for Moon and planet photography.

Washington DC, US Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Washington DC?∨
Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west reach Bortle 4 within 90 minutes, with night-sky viewing areas along Skyline Drive. West Virginia's mountains offer Bortle 3 skies further out.
Is Washington DC good for astronomy?∨
The city carries Bortle 8 light pollution, but the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah provide dark skies within a 90-minute drive. The monuments also make a dramatic foreground for lunar and planetary photography in the city.
When is the best time to stargaze near Washington DC?∨
Autumn and winter cold fronts bring the clearest, driest air. Summer is humid and hazy. Shenandoah's elevation helps transparency year-round on clear nights.

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.

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