Cape Cod has been ranked the fourth best stargazing destination in North America and second in the United States, according to new research that scored locations across six key environmental and logistical factors. The Massachusetts peninsula received an overall index score of 78.9 out of 100.
How Cape Cod Was Scored
The study, conducted by DuelBits, evaluated 100 North American locations using data on cloud cover in August, light pollution, the Bortle scale, accessibility, annual visitor numbers, and TripAdvisor ratings. Cape Cod earned an Excellent accessibility rating and Very Good air quality, based on NASA’s Global Annual PM2.5 Grids Dataset. Its Bortle Class 3 rating indicates relatively dark skies with limited artificial light interference — a notable distinction for a coastal destination that welcomes approximately 3.8 million visitors per year.
Cloud cover averages 44 percent in August, meaning clear skies are more common than not during peak summer nights. Despite its high visitor numbers — the second highest of any location in the top ten — Cape Cod maintains a 4.7 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, suggesting that crowds have not significantly diminished the overall experience.
Where Cape Cod Sits in the Rankings
The top spot in North America went to Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Canada, with a score of 93.1, followed by Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area (85.9) and Joshua Tree National Park in California (81.5). Cape Cod ranked ahead of Death Valley National Park and Flagstaff, Arizona, both of which scored in the mid-70s.
Best Conditions for a Visit
For those planning a trip specifically around stargazing, late summer offers the most favorable conditions on the Cape. Its combination of dark skies, clean air, and easy access — including options for visitors with mobility needs — positions it as one of the more practical stargazing destinations on the East Coast, particularly for Boston-area residents within roughly 90 minutes’ drive.
The full methodology drew on sources including NASA POWER, Copernicus ERA5, the Light Pollution Map, and data from the US National Park Service and Parks Canada.
