Washington DC, US Stargazing Forecast

Washington DC, US (38.91°, -77.04°) · Updated 16:06 UTC
76
Good
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.

Great night ahead
BEST 02:00–09:00 (7h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower active.
Sunset
00:20
Sunrise
10:09
Usable Hours
7/7
Moon
96%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars19° E
♄ Saturn52° SE
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.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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