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