Phoenix, US Stargazing Forecast

Phoenix, US (33.45°, -112.07°) · Updated 11:02 UTC
70
Good
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast stability

Tonight's forecast has held steady across recent updates. We compare how much tonight's score has moved across our recent forecast updates, a score that's held steady is more trustworthy.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Worth a look tonight
BEST 04:00–12:00 (8h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower active.
Sunset
02:30
Sunrise
12:39
Usable Hours
8/8
Moon
100%
Visible Planets
♂ Mars20° E
♄ Saturn58° SE
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Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Phoenix, US

Phoenix's desert location gives it some of the clearest skies of any major US city, with over 300 clear nights per year. The city itself is Bortle 7–8, but the Sonoran Desert darkens rapidly outside the metro area. Flagstaff (2 hours north) is a designated Dark Sky City, and numerous dark-sky sites dot central Arizona. The dry desert air provides exceptional seeing conditions — Phoenix-area observers routinely resolve fine planetary detail. Monsoon season (July–September) brings afternoon thunderstorms but often clears by night.

Phoenix, US Stargazing FAQ

Is Phoenix good for stargazing?∨
Phoenix has over 300 clear nights per year, and the dry desert air provides exceptional seeing conditions. The city's Bortle 7-8 skies are the main limitation, but the surrounding Sonoran Desert darkens rapidly outside the metro area.
Where is the best dark sky near Phoenix?∨
Flagstaff (2 hours north) is a designated Dark Sky City. Numerous dark-sky sites dot central Arizona, and the Sonoran Desert floor reaches Bortle 3-4 within an hour of the city.
Can you see the Milky Way from Arizona?∨
Yes — Arizona's desert skies are among the best in the US for Milky Way viewing. Head an hour outside Phoenix to a Bortle 3-4 site for stunning views, especially from April through September when the galactic core is visible.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky — and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Every shower this year — peak dates, expected rates, moon interference, and the two you absolutely cannot miss.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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