When can you see the ISS over Washington?
ISS over Washington: Next Pass 19:18 (SW→NE) at 55.2° for about 10 min .
This is our current prediction for the next visible ISS pass over Washington. The International Space Station will be visible from Washington starting at 19:18.
We don't see any visible passes over Washington for the next 36 hours. Check back later!
Updated: 08:32 · Night of 2026-03-13 (local) · Timezone: America/New_York
Local Viewing Conditions
Urban / Inner City
Intense light pollution.
Stars to look for this month
Look high overhead for the Big Dipper and Leo.
- Leo
- Cancer
- Gemini
Tonight’s Viewing Conditions
No visible pass
No visible pass tonight
No pass meeting visibility criteria was found for tonight.
Viewing tips
From Washington: You'll experience a standard duration of twilight, offering good viewing opportunities. Look for it to appear in the SW and travel towards the NE.
Conditions are evaluated using cloud cover, moon phase, and ISS elevation.
Visible ISS passes in the next 36 hours
| Time (Local) | Visibility | Max Height | Duration | Cloud Cover | Precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:18 | Twilight | 55.2° | 10 min |
54%
19:00
|
0 mm |
| 20:56 | Night | 21.5° | 10 min |
75%
21:00
|
0 mm |
How to spot the next ISS pass
Applies to: 19:18 (local)
| Time (Local) | Starts | Max Height | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19:18 NEXT | SW (220°) | 55.2° | NE (56°) |
| 20:56 | W (266°) | 21.5° | NE (44°) |
Viewing Gear Guide
Binoculars
While the ISS is visible to the naked eye, a pair of 10x50 binoculars can reveal more structure detail.
Photography
To capture the ISS light trail, use a tripod and a long exposure (10-30 seconds).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the ISS through clouds?
No, the ISS is not visible through thick clouds. If cloud cover is low, you may still catch it through breaks.
How much cloud cover is too much?
Above ~80% cloud cover, viewing is usually difficult. Best results are typically with 0-20% cloud cover.
How accurate is the forecast?
Pass timing is highly accurate. Weather can shift quickly, so re-check cloud cover close to the pass.
What does visible pass mean?
A visible pass means the ISS is sunlit while your sky is dark enough to see it.
ISS fact of the day
Water on the station is recycled, including urine and sweat, with a recovery rate of over 90%.
Explore Nearby Cities
Tip: Go outside a few minutes before pass time with a clear horizon and minimal direct glare.