Fear of clouds (nephophobia)

Nephophobia is a fear of clouds. Some people fear dark storm clouds and what they might bring, while others feel uneasy at the size of clouds or the way they move and change shape. Overcast days, weather forecasts and time spent outdoors can all set it off.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek nephos, meaning cloud. It is uncommon and found mostly on lists of phobias rather than in clinical writing. It often overlaps with fears of storms, thunder or severe weather.

What it feels like

• Watching the sky closely before going outside
• Unease at low, heavy or fast-moving clouds
• Cancelling outdoor plans when the forecast looks grey

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is a fear of clouds really a fear of storms?

For many people the two are linked, since dark clouds signal bad weather. Others find clouds unsettling in themselves, because of their size or how they seem to loom overhead.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

See all session options and prices