Learn About the 10 Different Types of Clouds
Introducing the 10 main cloud types
When you spot a cloud in the sky, it will be one of the ten cloud types, or generas, listed below. To better understand what cloud you’re observing, it’s best to get to know these 10 different cloud types based on their different species, varieties, and features. Knowing how they form, their altitude levels (high, middle, or low base), and what makes each cloud type unique and different from one another will also be helpful.
The ten cloud types below are organized by altitude level. Clicking on each of the cloud illustrations will lead you to a page that will provide you with a description, photograph examples, and illustrations that break down each cloud type’s associated cloud species, cloud varieties, supplementary features, and accessory clouds. ⛅
Level: High
High, wispy streaks
High-altitude cloudlets
Pale, veil-like layer
Level: Middle
Mid-altitude cloud heaps
Mid-altitude gray layer
Precipitation layer
Level: Low
Thunderstorms
Low, puffy, fair-weather
Low, featureless layer
Low, puffy layer