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 of.

  • Low-level clouds

    Low-level clouds

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

  • Mid-level clouds

    Mid-level clouds

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

  • High-level clouds

    High clouds

    Identifying cirrus, cirrocumulus and cirrostratus clouds. All high-level clouds - where the base is above 20,000 ft - are a type of cirrus cloud.

  • Other clouds

    Other clouds

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

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