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

A graphical illustration of a cirrus cloud

Cirrus (Ci)

High, wispy streaks

A graphical illustration of a cirrocumulus cloud

Cirrocumulus (Cc)

High-altitude cloudlets

A graphical illustration of a cirrostratus cloud

Cirrostratus (Cs)

Pale, veil-like layer

Level : Middle

A graphical illustration of an altocumulus cloud

Altocumulus (Ac)

Mid-altitude cloud heaps

A graphical illustration of an altostratus cloud

Altostratus (As)

Mid-altitude gray layer

A graphical illustration of a nimbostratus cloud

Nimbostratus (Ns)

Precipitation layer

Level: Low

A graphical illustration of a cumulonimbus cloud

Cumulonimbus (Cb)

Thunderstorms

A graphical illustration of a cumulus cloud

Cumulus (Cu)

Low, puffy, fair-weather

A graphical illustration of a stratus cloud

Stratus (St)

Low, featureless layer

A graphical illustration of a stratocumulus cloud

Stratocumulus (Sc)

Low, puffy layer