Mills Observatory Weather Tracker: 12-17 October 2026

There could be some promising opportunities for stargazing in Dundee this week, with four evenings of partly cloudy skies forecast as Mills Observatory continues its 91st season!

Dundee Culture’s latest weekly weather tracker shows a mixture of conditions for the week ahead, with several evenings expected to offer clear skies alongside scattered or mid-level clouds.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday currently look like the most promising evenings for observing the night sky, while Wednesday is expected to be considerably cloudier.

There is also a chance of improving conditions on Monday evening, with cloud potentially breaking up as the night progresses.

Here’s the latest outlook for 12–17 October.

Monday 12 October

🟠 MODERATE | Overcast, possibly clearing later | 14°C

The week begins with overcast skies forecast over Dundee, although there is a possibility of conditions improving as the evening progresses.

If the cloud begins to break up, there could be some opportunities for telescope viewing later in the evening.

Monday currently receives a MODERATE stargazing outlook.

Tuesday 13 October

🟡 FAIR | Partly cloudy | 10°C

Tuesday is looking considerably more promising, with clear skies and scattered or mid-level clouds expected over Dundee.

Although some cloud could interrupt observations, there may be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the night sky through the telescope.

Tuesday receives a FAIR stargazing outlook.

Wednesday 14 October

🔴 POOR | Overcast | 15°C

Unfortunately, Wednesday looks like the most challenging evening of the week.

Overcast conditions are currently expected, with cloud cover likely to significantly restrict opportunities for observing the night sky.

Despite relatively mild temperatures of around 15°C, Wednesday receives a POOR stargazing outlook.

Thursday 15 October

🟡 FAIR | Partly cloudy | 10°C

Conditions are expected to improve again on Thursday, with partly cloudy skies returning.

Clear intervals alongside scattered or mid-level clouds could provide some promising opportunities for telescope viewing throughout the evening.

Thursday receives a FAIR stargazing outlook.

Friday 16 October

🟡 FAIR | Partly cloudy | 10°C

Friday is looking promising too, with another evening of partly cloudy conditions expected.

Clear skies between scattered clouds could provide opportunities to observe the night sky from Mills Observatory.

Friday also marks the return of the observatory’s popular indoor planetarium shows, with three sessions scheduled for 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.

Unlike telescope observations, planetarium shows can take place regardless of the weather, making them another fantastic way to discover the wonders of the universe.

Advance booking is essential, with tickets priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for children.

Friday receives a FAIR stargazing outlook.

Saturday 17 October

🟡 FAIR | Partly cloudy | 9°C

The week ends with another potentially promising evening for stargazing.

Partly cloudy conditions are expected over Dundee, with clear skies and scattered clouds offering possible opportunities for telescope viewing.

Temperatures are forecast to fall to around 9°C, making Saturday the coolest evening of the week.

Saturday receives a FAIR stargazing outlook.

What do the ratings mean?

Throughout Season 91, Dundee Culture is using four simple ratings to give visitors an indication of expected observing conditions at Mills Observatory.

🟢 GOOD – Clear or mostly clear skies are expected, providing promising prospects for stargazing.

🟡 FAIR – Predominantly clear skies with scattered or intermittent cloud, offering potential opportunities for telescope viewing.

🟠 MODERATE – Cloud is expected to dominate, although occasional clearer intervals could provide limited opportunities for observing.

🔴 POOR – Overcast, persistent cloud or rain is expected, meaning telescope viewing is likely to be severely limited.

The ratings relate specifically to stargazing conditions and aren’t an indication of whether Mills Observatory itself is worth visiting.

There’s still plenty to discover inside the observatory when Dundee’s weather doesn’t cooperate!

Four promising evenings ahead

For the week ahead, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday currently offer the most promising opportunities for stargazing, with partly cloudy conditions expected on all four evenings.

Monday could also provide some opportunities if the cloud begins to clear later in the evening.

However, Wednesday currently looks considerably less favourable, with overcast skies expected.

Dundee Culture’s Mills Observatory Weather Tracker is published every Sunday throughout Season 91, looking ahead to conditions during the observatory’s Monday to Saturday opening days.

All forecasts are based on the latest weather information available at the time of publication. Conditions can change quickly, and telescope observations at Mills Observatory cannot be guaranteed.

Mills Observatory is free to visit, with no booking required for general admission. The observatory is open Monday to Friday from 4pm until 10pm and Saturday from 6.30pm until 10pm.

And with four potentially promising evenings ahead, there could be plenty of opportunities to look up at Dundee’s night sky this week!