York, UK Stargazing Forecast

York, UK (53.96°, -1.08°) · Updated 12:08 UTC
72
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.

Worth a look tonight
BEST 20:00–04:00 (8h)
Near-perfect skies with moderate moon interference. No real darkness tonight. The sun only reaches -17.2° (deep nautical), so faint objects will be tricky to see. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25).
Sunset
20:05
Sunrise
04:16
Usable Hours
8/8
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
☿ Mercury11° E
♀ Venus11° W
♂ Mars30° E
♄ Saturn39° S
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 Stargazing Locations in the UK

Certified dark sky sites, hidden gems, and how to find the darkest skies near you.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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