The invention discloses a single image cloud removal method based on dual-tree complex wavelet transform. The dual-tree complex wavelet transform is adopted to decompose an original image, the cloud and the scenery are respectively distributed to high-layer and low-layer high-frequency sub bands and low-frequency sub bands, the sub bands are processed respectively, and the cloud is removed. The method comprises steps: multilayer dual-tree complex wavelet transform is carried out on the original image firstly, and decomposition coefficients are segmented to the low-layer high-frequency sub bands, the high-layer high-frequency sub bands and the low-frequency sub bands; a Laplacian filter is used for processing the low-layer high-frequency sub bands layer by layer, dual-tree complex wavelet transform is carried out, an image is reconstructed through normalization treatment, and the ground scenery information is enhanced; and an inverted cloud thickness weighting method is used for processing the high-layer high-frequency sub bands and the low-frequency sub bands. The method of the invention is used for processing a single remote sensing map containing cloud coverage, thick cloud or thin cloud, the definition of the scenery under the high cloud is improved while the cloud coverage is weakened, the scenery information outside the cloud area is effectively kept and protruded, and the method has the advantages of strong self adaptability and less manual intervention.