Sumner Lake State Park
Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2
Sumner Lake State Park 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 73% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 59/100. 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 Sumner Lake State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64% | 63/100 |
| February | 67% | 65/100 |
| March | 65% | 63/100 |
| April | 70% | 67/100 |
| May | 70% | 67/100 |
| June | 64% | 63/100 |
| July | 61% | 60/100 |
| August | 59% | 59/100 |
| September ★ | 73% | 69/100 |
| October | 69% | 66/100 |
| November | 68% | 65/100 |
| December | 64% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Sumner Lake State 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
- Santa Rosa Lake State Park 53.7 km · Sky Score 53/100
- Conchas Lake State Park 90.3 km · Sky Score 64/100
- San Jon Hill View 103 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Oasis State Park 103.4 km · Sky Score 49/100
- Roswell UFO Monument 112.1 km · Sky Score 65/100