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