Jemez National Recreation Area
Sky Score 63/100≈ Bortle 2
Jemez National Recreation Area is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 88/100 (≈ 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 75% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 58/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 58%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Jemez National Recreation Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 56% | 57/100 |
| February | 63% | 62/100 |
| March | 62% | 61/100 |
| April | 68% | 66/100 |
| May | 70% | 67/100 |
| June | 67% | 65/100 |
| July | 55% | 57/100 |
| August | 58% | 59/100 |
| September ★ | 75% | 70/100 |
| October | 72% | 68/100 |
| November | 71% | 67/100 |
| December | 62% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Jemez National Recreation Area
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
- Jemez Canyon Overlook 8.4 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Fenton Lake State Park 14.2 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument 23.1 km · Sky Score 57/100
- Bandelier National Monument 27.4 km · Sky Score 51/100
- Cerrillos Hills State Park 58.6 km · Sky Score 55/100