Cloud Spotting
Cloud spotting is the meditative art of observing, identifying, and appreciating the clouds above you. Learn to recognize the ten main cloud types by their shapes, altitudes, and what they tell you about upcoming weather. It's a free, accessible hobby that deepens your connection to the natural world and turns any sky into a fascinating study.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Clear view of the sky (any location)($0)
- ●Notebook or notes app for observations($0)
Optional
- ○Sunglasses for bright days($5-20)
- ○
How To Do It
- 1
Find your observation spot
Choose any location with an open view of the sky - a park, your backyard, a rooftop, or even through a large window. Lie down or recline for comfort if possible. Avoid looking directly at the sun.
- 2
Learn the cloud families
Watch this beginner tutorial to understand the basic cloud classification system: high clouds (cirro-), mid-level clouds (alto-), and low clouds (strato-). Understanding altitude is the first key to identification.
- 3
Identify your first clouds
Look up and find a cloud. Ask yourself: How high is it? Is it flat/layered or puffy/vertical? Is it thin and wispy or thick and dense? Start with the three most common types: puffy , flat , and wispy .
- 4
Record your observations
Note the date, time, and weather conditions. Describe each cloud type you spot, its approximate altitude (high/medium/low), and any interesting features. Sketch simple shapes if that helps you remember.
- 5
Connect clouds to weather
Pay attention to what clouds predict: flat gray often means drizzle, towering signals thunderstorms, and thin usually indicates fair weather but can herald a front approaching in 24-48 hours.
Tips
- →Start with just three cloud types: (puffy cotton balls), (flat gray layers), and (wispy ice crystals). Once these are automatic, add more types.
- →Common mistake: trying to identify clouds on overcast days. Begin on partly cloudy days with blue sky visible, so you can see distinct cloud shapes against the background.
- →Take photos of clouds you can't identify. Compare them later to reference materials, or share them online for help from the community.
- →The best observation times are early morning and late afternoon when lighting creates dramatic contrast and reveals cloud textures.
- →Join the Cloud Appreciation Society for daily cloud photos and to contribute to citizen science - their members helped get the new cloud type Asperitas officially recognized in 2017.
Communities
Resources
- International Cloud Atlas (WMO)
The official world reference for cloud classification with a visual flowchart to identify all cloud genera.
- Cloud Appreciation Society
Global community with 60,000+ members, daily cloud photos, and the CloudSpotter app for identifying 58 cloud types.
- UCAR Field Guide to Clouds
Free mobile app with cloud identification guides, quizzes, and the ability to share your cloud photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn cloud spotting?
You can learn to identify the three basic cloud types (, , ) in your first 30-minute session. Confidently recognizing all ten main cloud takes about 5-10 hours of observation spread over a few weeks.
Do I need any special equipment?
No equipment is required - just your eyes and a view of the sky. A free cloud identification app or printed chart helps beginners, and sunglasses make bright-day observation more comfortable. Some people enjoy using binoculars to see cloud details.
Why can't I identify the clouds on overcast days?
Overcast skies are usually one uniform layer, which is actually the easiest to identify. The challenge is that you can't see multiple cloud types for comparison. Start on partly cloudy days when different cloud types are visible against blue sky.
Is cloud spotting just for relaxation, or is there a scientific aspect?
Both! Cloud spotting is meditative and calming, but it also teaches real meteorology. You'll learn to predict weather changes 24-48 hours ahead. Citizen science projects like the Cloud Appreciation Society have even led to official discoveries - members helped identify the new cloud type Asperitas in 2017.
What is the Cloud Appreciation Society?
Founded in 2005, it's a global community of 60,000+ cloud enthusiasts from 120 countries. Members receive a cloud-a-day email, can earn cloud-spotting badges, and have contributed to atmospheric science. Membership costs around $10 for lifetime access.
Can I cloud spot in any weather?
Yes! Every sky offers something to observe. Clear blue skies let you watch form from nothing. Overcast days show layers. Stormy weather reveals dramatic . Even fog is just at ground level.