ATMOSPHERE Uranus has a gaseous atmosphere primarily composed of hydrogen and helium with traces of methane. Its unique sideways tilt causes extreme seasons, impacting atmospheric dynamics. Winds on Uranus can reach up to 560 miles per hour (900 kilometers per hour) in its upper atmosphere, creating distinctive band patterns and massive storms. The methane in its atmosphere absorbs red light, giving Uranus its cyan-blue appearance. The atmosphere also hosts clouds, haze, and temperatures averaging around -224 degrees Celsius (-371 degrees Fahrenheit), making it one of the coldest planets in the solar system.