In order to further distinguish the clouds and the background and improve cloud recognition， this paper proposes an algorithm to improve the quality of cloud images based on image restoration and enhancement techniques. First, a dark channel priordehazing algorithm is employed for image restoration. Then, the features are enhanced using the brightness histogram equalization algorithm. Finally, the two algorithms are combined by using image enhancement after image restoration. At the same time, the four conditions of thin cloud in low visibility, thick cloud in low visibility, thin cloud in high visibility, and thick cloud in high visibility are discussed, respectively. According to the simulation results, except that a single image restoration on thin clouds in high visibility has reduced cloud recognition, the proposed algorithm has significantly improved the image quality and cloud recognition. In addition, the image quality and cloud recognition can be further enhanced using the image restoration and enhancement techniques together, and there are more improvements on thin clouds and clouds in low visibility.