Rio Grande Overlook
Rio Grande Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ 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 May, when about 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 67/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 65%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Rio Grande Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64% | 67/100 |
| February | 61% | 64/100 |
| March | 63% | 66/100 |
| April | 70% | 72/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 76/100 |
| June | 73% | 74/100 |
| July | 70% | 72/100 |
| August | 65% | 67/100 |
| September | 67% | 69/100 |
| October | 73% | 73/100 |
| November | 67% | 69/100 |
| December | 64% | 67/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Rio Grande Overlook
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 →
Chisos Mountains Lodge
32.4 km away · Big Bend · darkness at hotel: 94/100
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Nearby spots in Texas
- LM Peak 29.3 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Animal Highways 31.2 km · Sky Score 70/100
- South Rim Viewpoint 32 km · Sky Score 70/100
- The Window Viewpoint 35.7 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Big Bend National Park 35.8 km · Sky Score 70/100