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
- Check availability →
Grand Canyon Western Ranch
25.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 91/100
- Check availability →
Temple Bar Resort
30.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 89/100
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
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