Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Sky Score 57/100≈ Bortle 3
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 78/100 (≈ Bortle 3) — a genuinely dark sky where the Milky Way is a bright, structured band. The best month to come is typically May, when about 75% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 52/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 59%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 67% | 57/100 |
| February | 63% | 55/100 |
| March | 62% | 55/100 |
| April | 71% | 60/100 |
| May ★ | 75% | 62/100 |
| June | 70% | 59/100 |
| July | 64% | 55/100 |
| August | 59% | 53/100 |
| September | 67% | 58/100 |
| October | 72% | 60/100 |
| November | 66% | 57/100 |
| December | 64% | 56/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Carlsbad Caverns National Park
No lodging within 80 km — this is true wilderness. Plan to camp, or base yourself in the nearest gateway town and drive out for the night.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Brokeoff Mountains Wilderness Study Area — 39.6 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Brantley Lake State Park — 50.8 km · Sky Score 51/100
- amazing view — 72.6 km · Sky Score 70/100
- sacramento camp lookout — 121.9 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Bottomless Lakes State Park — 136.6 km · Sky Score 53/100