Met Office

Cloud spotting guide

Use our cloud spotting guide and video to help identify different types of clouds in the sky.

To assist with identifying different clouds while cloud spotting we've created this useful infographic. Feel free to share and use on your own website or blog but please include a link back to the Met Office.

You can also download a printable version of the  cloud spotting guide cloud spotting guide (PDF, 295 kB) .

Click on the clouds to find out more about each cloud type.

Cloud types and pronounciations High Level Cirrus Cirrocumulus Cirrostratus Mid level Altocumulus Altostratus Low level Stratocumulus Nimbostratus Cumulus Cumulonimbus Stratus

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Video

We've also put together a cloud spotting video. In this video, James Chubb explains how clouds form and how to tell one cloud from another.

You need Flash player 7+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video.

Cloud spotting transcript Cloud spotting transcript (PDF, 101 kB)

  • What are clouds?

    Interested in weather observations? Find out about cloud formation and what clouds are made

  • Cloud names and classifications

    Clouds are continually changing and appear in an infinite variety of forms. This is a guide

  • Low level clouds

    Help with identifying low level clouds - cumulus, cumulonimbus, stratocumulus and stratus.

  • Mid level clouds

    Information on spotting medium height clouds - altocumulus, altostratus and nimbostratus.

  • High clouds

    Help with identifying cirrus, cirrocumulus and cirrostratus clouds. All high level clouds -

  • Other clouds

    Guide to observing other cloud phenomena including nocticulent night clouds and contrails.

  • Cloud spotting guide

    Use our cloud spotting guide and video to help identify different types of clouds in the sky.

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