Cloud Guide
Understanding cloud types and their effect on sunrise
Not all clouds are created equal. The type and altitude of clouds makes the difference between an epic sunrise and a grey disappointment.
High Clouds
Cirrus • 6–12km altitude
Thin, wispy clouds made of ice crystals. Add streaks of colour across the sky and enhance sunrise drama. Best when coverage is below 70%—too much can dim the show.
Mid Clouds
Altocumulus & Altostratus • 2–6km altitude
Cotton-ball or sheet-like clouds. These are the stars of the sunrise show. At 30–50% coverage, they catch vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. This is what we're looking for.
Low Clouds
Stratus & Cumulus • 0–2km altitude
Thick, grey clouds sitting close to the ground. Above 70% coverage and you're looking at a grey ceiling—the sunrise happens above the clouds, not for you. This caps the score at 20/100.
Why It Matters
Sunrise light travels horizontally through the atmosphere. It hits mid-level clouds and scatters into warm colours. No clouds? Just bright. Too many low clouds? Just grey.
The sweet spot is 30–50% mid-level cloud coverage with minimal low clouds. That's when you get the gradient skies worth waking up for.
Best Cloud Combinations
🔥 The Perfect Setup: 40% mid clouds + 10% high clouds + <20% low clouds = 85+ score
✨ Still Great: 30% mid clouds + 30% high clouds + <30% low clouds = 70-80 score
😐 Meh: 20% mid clouds + 60% high clouds + 40% low clouds = 40-55 score
😞 Skip It: Any low cloud coverage above 70% = <25 score (grey ceiling)