A Lunar Invitation: How Arizona Became No. 2 in the U.S. for Supermoon Viewing

This December’s full Moon — traditionally called the Cold Moon, a name echoing frost, stillness, and the long winter night — coincides with the Moon’s perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth. The result: a supermoon that appears brighter and subtly larger than a typical full Moon.

But what makes some places better than others to catch it? According to the Supermoon Visibility Index by Action Network — which examines sky clarity, humidity, elevation and light-pollution (dark-sky) conditions — Arizona ranks second best in the nation. Only one state sits ahead of it.

The reasons are rooted in Arizona’s natural canvas: its dry desert air reduces haze and moisture; winter brings frequent clear nights; expansive dark-sky zones keep light pollution minimal; and open horizons — from saguaros to canyons — offer uninterrupted sightlines.

For sky-watchers, that means prime opportunities: think red-rock silhouettes at moonrise, desert plains bathed in silvery glow, or quiet high-altitude spots where the moon hangs high and grand in the sky. Places like the deserts around Phoenix or Tucson, high-elevation zones, or official dark-sky regions will likely deliver the crispest lunar views.

Moreover, this Cold Moon marks the final supermoon of 2025 — capping a rare sequence of supermoons and offering perhaps the year’s most striking lunar display.

AI Image Disclaimer Visuals are generated with AI tools and intended purely as conceptual depictions, not real photographs.

Sources AZ Big Media; Forbes; Ace News Today; Action Network