White Sands National Park

Sky Score 62/100≈ Bortle 2

White Sands National Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 83/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — a genuinely dark sky where the Milky Way is a bright, structured band. The best month to come is typically May, when about 81% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 53/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 56%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at White Sands National Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January66%61/100
February67%61/100
March64%59/100
April74%66/100
May ★81%70/100
June68%62/100
July57%54/100
August56%54/100
September72%64/100
October73%65/100
November70%63/100
December65%60/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near White Sands 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