Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon is a scenic viewpoint in Arizona with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — among the very darkest measurable skies in the American Southwest — the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically September, when about 83% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 71/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 72%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Grand Canyon
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55% | 59/100 |
| February | 64% | 66/100 |
| March | 60% | 62/100 |
| April | 71% | 70/100 |
| May | 75% | 74/100 |
| June | 83% | 79/100 |
| July | 69% | 69/100 |
| August | 72% | 71/100 |
| September ★ | 83% | 80/100 |
| October | 80% | 77/100 |
| November | 74% | 73/100 |
| December | 59% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Grand Canyon
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Meadview Lake Motel
13.7 km away · Meadview · darkness at hotel: 82/100
- Check availability →
Canyon's End Motel
18.4 km away · Meadview · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Grand Canyon Western Ranch
25.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 91/100
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Temple Bar Resort
30.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 89/100
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Nearby spots in Arizona
- Guano Point — 17.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness — 42.5 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area — 43 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument — 47.8 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Mount Logan Wilderness — 73.2 km · Sky Score 70/100