Milky Way Calendar 2025
The definitive calendar for planning Milky Way viewing and photography in 2025. Real dates, exact times, and moon phases for every month of the galactic core season.
2025 Milky Way Season at a Glance
The 2025 Milky Way season runs from late February through late October, with the galactic core becoming visible from the Northern Hemisphere. The absolute prime time spans from late May through mid-July, when the core is visible all night and reaches its highest point in the southern sky around midnight. June 2025 is your best bet, with the new moon falling on June 25 - right in the middle of peak season.
Northern Hemisphere Times
Month-by-Month Breakdown
February 2025
Season start - early risers only! The galactic core becomes visible for the first time this year, but only in the pre-dawn hours. You'll need to wake up well before sunrise and have a clear southeastern horizon.
March 2025
The viewing window extends to 3-4 hours as the core rises earlier. Still a pre-dawn activity, but more manageable than February. Spring weather can be unpredictable - have backup dates.
April 2025
Now we're getting somewhere. The core rises after midnight, giving you several hours of viewing time. You can plan late-night sessions instead of setting early alarms.
May 2025
Excellent viewing from late evening onward. The core appears in the southeast by 10:30 PM, making this the first month where you don't need to stay up until midnight. Memorial Day weekend falls perfectly during the new moon window.
June 2025
This is it - the absolute best month of 2025. The galactic core is visible all night, reaching its highest point in the sky around midnight. The summer solstice (June 21) gives you the shortest night but the core at its peak position. The new moon on June 25 creates ideal conditions.
July 2025
Still excellent viewing, though the core starts setting before dawn. It remains high in the southern sky during the evening hours. July typically brings stable weather patterns across most of North America, making this a reliable month.
August 2025
The core dominates the evening sky but sets earlier each night. You'll find it in the southwest after sunset. August offers some of the best weather odds in the United States, with warm temperatures and generally stable conditions.
September 2025
Catch the core in the early evening hours - it sets by midnight to 1 AM. The viewing window is shrinking, but the core is still prominent in the southwestern sky after sunset. Fall weather often brings clear skies.
October 2025
Last chance for the year. The galactic core appears briefly low in the southwestern sky just after sunset. You'll need an unobstructed horizon and clear skies. By early November, the core sets with the sun.
The 10 Best Nights of 2025
If you can only plan a few trips this year, these are the dates to circle on your calendar. We've ranked them based on moon phase, core visibility timing, and historical weather patterns.
Weather Trumps Everything
Weather Considerations by Season
🌸Spring (March - May)
Spring weather is notoriously unpredictable across most of North America. Cold fronts, storm systems, and unsettled conditions are common. The jet stream is still active, creating rapidly changing weather patterns.
Check forecasts carefully and have multiple backup dates. Southern locations (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) tend to have better spring weather odds than northern states. Late May is more stable than March-April.
Summer (June - August)
Summer offers the best overall weather odds, with high-pressure systems dominating and stable conditions lasting for days. However, be aware of afternoon thunderstorms in mountainous areas and the monsoon season in the Southwest (typically starting mid-July).
Summer is your safest bet for multi-day trips. In mountain states, check afternoon storm forecasts - they usually clear by evening but can leave lingering high clouds. Coastal areas may have marine layer fog. The Desert Southwest gets monsoon moisture after mid-July, reducing odds in Arizona and New Mexico.
🍂Fall (September - October)
Early fall often brings excellent conditions as high pressure builds back in after the monsoon season ends. Clear skies become more common, and temperatures are comfortable. However, your viewing window shrinks dramatically as the core sets earlier each night.
September can be outstanding in the Desert Southwest after the monsoon breaks. By October, you're racing the sunset - you need a crystal-clear southwestern horizon and perfect timing. Consider this a bonus month rather than primary planning target.
Regional Differences Matter
How to Use This Calendar
Start with moon phase. The best viewing windows are the 3-5 days surrounding each new moon. Mark these on your calendar first. The moon phase is the single biggest factor you can control - even 25% illumination will wash out fainter stars.
Then check the core timing. In February and March, you're waking up before dawn. April through September offer evening and night viewing. Pick months where the timing works for your schedule. Most people find late May through August most practical.
Monitor weather a week out. Once you're within 7-10 days of your target date, start watching weather forecasts. Cloud cover is everything. A forecast showing less than 20% cloud cover is ideal. Above 50%, consider your backup dates.
Book flexible accommodations. If you're traveling to dark sky sites, book lodging with flexible cancellation when possible. Being able to shift your trip by a day or two based on weather can make the difference between cloudy skies and a perfect night.
Use real-time forecasts. Astronomical calendars tell you when the sky is dark. Weather forecasts tell you if you'll actually see anything. Combine both for success.
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