York, UK Clear Sky Chart

York, UK (53.96°, -1.08°) · Updated 03:37 GMT
18
Poor
low confidence ⓘ
low · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast keeps changing between updates — the score is less certain; check again nearer dusk. 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 03:00–04:00 (1h)
Mostly cloudy but bright moonlight limits faint objects. High dew risk, so optics will fog without dew heaters.
Sunset
16:38
Sunrise
06:58
Usable Hours
1/5
Moon
89%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars47° SE
♃ Jupiter42° SE
♄ Saturn37° S
⛢ Uranus57° S
♆ Neptune36° S
Sky darkness
Suburban (about Bortle 6)
SQM 18.9, estimated from satellite night lights. A property of the place, separate from tonight’s score. How we estimate this
Open Full York, UK Forecast →
Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in York, UK

York's compact city centre means Bortle 5–6 skies are close, with the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors both around 40 minutes away. The Vale of York's flat terrain gives an open horizon in all directions, which is excellent for spotting low satellites and planets. The city's Pennine rain shadow means it often stays clear when the west coast is clouded. Autumn and winter anticyclones bring the best deep-sky conditions.

York, UK Stargazing FAQ

Where is the best dark sky near York?∨
The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are both around 40 minutes away. The Vale of York's flat terrain also provides open horizons in all directions, which is excellent for spotting low targets.
Can you see the Milky Way from near York?∨
Yes — the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales both achieve Bortle 3-4 on clear nights, making the Milky Way readily visible. Dalby Forest is a popular North York Moors observing site.
Is York in a rain shadow?∨
Yes — York sits in the Pennine rain shadow, meaning it often stays clear when the west coast is clouded. This gives it more clear nights than cities further west like Manchester or Liverpool.

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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