Mills Observatory Weather Tracker: 19–24 October 2026
It’s looking like a challenging week for stargazing in Dundee, with cloudy skies and rain expected for much of the coming week. However, there could be one particularly promising evening ahead!
Dundee Culture’s latest Mills Observatory Weather Tracker shows a largely unfavourable outlook for the week beginning Monday 19 October, with cloud expected to dominate on five of the observatory’s six opening evenings.
But there is some encouraging news for Thursday 22 October, with clear skies currently forecast over Dundee and temperatures dropping to around 7°C.
Thursday could offer the best opportunity of the week to observe the night sky through Mills Observatory’s telescope.
Here’s the latest outlook for 19–24 October.
Monday 19 October
🔴 POOR | Cloudy | 11°C
The week begins with cloudy conditions expected over Dundee, potentially restricting opportunities for stargazing.
With significant cloud cover currently forecast, opportunities for telescope viewing could be limited unless breaks develop during the evening.
Monday receives a POOR stargazing outlook.
Tuesday 20 October
🔴 POOR | Cloudy | 10°C
Tuesday is looking very similar, with another cloudy evening forecast over Dundee.
Cloud cover could once again make it difficult to observe the night sky, although any unexpected clearer intervals may provide brief opportunities for telescope viewing.
Tuesday receives a POOR stargazing outlook.
Wednesday 21 October
🔴 POOR | Cloudy | 8°C
Unfortunately, conditions aren’t expected to improve much on Wednesday.
Another cloudy evening is forecast, with temperatures dropping to around 8°C.
Wednesday also coincides with the peak period of the annual Orionid meteor shower, although cloud cover could make observing meteors particularly difficult.
Wednesday receives a POOR stargazing outlook.
Thursday 22 October
🟢 GOOD | Clear | 7°C
Thursday is currently looking like the best evening of the week for stargazing at Mills Observatory!
After three consecutive cloudy evenings, clear skies are forecast to return over Dundee.
If conditions remain favourable, Thursday could provide an excellent opportunity to observe the night sky through the telescope, with temperatures expected to fall to around 7°C.
It could also offer a chance to spot some Orionid meteors, although meteor activity is generally better observed later at night, away from artificial lighting.
Thursday receives a GOOD stargazing outlook.
Friday 23 October
🔴 POOR | Cloudy | 9°C
Unfortunately, Thursday’s clearer conditions may not last long.
Cloudy skies are expected to return on Friday, potentially restricting opportunities for telescope viewing once again.
Friday receives a POOR stargazing outlook.
Saturday 24 October
🔴 POOR | Rain | 9°C
The week ends with another unfavourable outlook, with rain currently forecast over Dundee.
Wet weather and associated cloud cover are likely to make outdoor telescope observations particularly difficult.
Saturday receives a POOR 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!
Thursday offers the best chance for stargazing
For the week ahead, Thursday 22 October currently offers the most promising opportunity for stargazing, with clear skies expected following several cloudy evenings.
Unfortunately, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday are all looking considerably less favourable, while Saturday could bring rain.
The forecast is a reminder of just how unpredictable Scotland’s autumn weather can be, particularly when planning a visit to an observatory.
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.
Despite a largely cloudy outlook, Thursday could provide a welcome opportunity to enjoy the night sky above Dundee.
Here’s hoping those clear skies arrive!
