Zurich, Switzerland Stargazing Forecast

Zurich, Switzerland (47.38°, 8.54°) · Updated 11:08 UTC
84
Excellent
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 21:00–02:00 (5h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks tonight (ZHR ~25).
Sunset
19:02
Sunrise
04:02
Usable Hours
5/5
Moon
99%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars11° NE
♄ Saturn38° 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 Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich's lakeside setting and Alpine proximity make it one of Europe's more pleasant observing cities. Bortle 6–7 in the city drops to Bortle 4 heading south into the Alps or east into Appenzell. Switzerland's high-altitude sites (Grimsel Pass, Julier Pass) provide excellent conditions above the inversion layer. The Swiss Plateau can trap fog in autumn and winter, but Alpine sites above 1,500m are often crystal clear above the cloud.

Zurich, Switzerland Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Zurich?∨
The Swiss Alps to the south offer excellent conditions above the inversion layer. Grimsel Pass and Julier Pass provide high-altitude observing sites. Rural Appenzell to the east reaches Bortle 4 within 90 minutes.
Does fog affect stargazing in Zurich?∨
Yes — the Swiss Plateau can trap fog in autumn and winter, but this is actually an advantage: Alpine sites above 1,500m are often crystal clear above the cloud layer, with exceptionally transparent skies.
When is the best time to stargaze in Zurich?∨
Late autumn and winter at altitude — head above the fog layer to Alpine sites for the clearest conditions. Summer nights are short but Alpine observing is pleasant in warmer months.

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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