Night sky · usual peaks from NASA
Seven meteor showers peak at about the same time every year, according to NASA: the Quadrantids in early January, the Lyrids in late April, the Eta Aquariids in early May, the Perseids in mid-August, the Orionids in mid-October, the Leonids in mid-November and the Geminids in mid-December. The exact night moves a little from year to year, so check it, and the moon, before you go.
Checked against 10 official sources · How we check →
Usual peak · early January
One of the best showers of the year, NASA says, and known for bright fireballs. Most showers peak over two days; the Quadrantids peak for only a few hours.
How to watch: Best from the Northern Hemisphere, at night and before dawn. Come ready for winter weather.
Source: NASA Science, Quadrantids
Usual peak · late April
One of the oldest known meteor showers, NASA says, with fast, bright meteors and the occasional fireball.
How to watch: Best from the Northern Hemisphere in the dark hours, after the moon sets and before dawn.
Source: NASA Science, Lyrids
Usual peak · early May
Known for their speed: fast meteors can leave glowing trains that last from seconds to minutes.
How to watch: Before dawn. The shower favors the Southern Hemisphere; from the north NASA counts only about 10 meteors an hour, often long "Earthgrazers" low on the horizon.
Source: NASA Science, Eta Aquariids
Usual peak · mid-August
The most popular shower of the year, NASA says. Its meteors often leave long trails of light and color, and the warm summer nights make for comfortable watching.
How to watch: Best before dawn, though some can show as early as 10 p.m.
Source: NASA Science, Perseids
Usual peak · mid-October
One of the most beautiful showers of the year, NASA says: bright, fast meteors, sometimes fireballs, framed by some of the brightest stars in the night sky.
How to watch: In the hours after midnight, facing southeast.
Source: NASA Science, Orionids
Usual peak · mid-November
A major shower, NASA says, though often only about three meteors an hour; its meteors are bright, sometimes colorful and among the fastest.
How to watch: From about midnight local time. Come ready for winter temperatures.
Source: NASA Science, Leonids
Usual peak · mid-December
One of the best and most reliable showers of the year, NASA says, and one of the best for young viewers, since it starts around 9 or 10 p.m.
How to watch: Watch through the night and before dawn. Come ready for winter temperatures.
Source: NASA Science, Geminids
California
The park calls the mid-August Perseids one of the most consistently reliable showers each year. Cottonwood Campground has its darkest skies.
Where to watch: Quail Springs (parking lot), Hidden Valley (parking lot), Cap Rock (parking lot), Ryan Mountain (parking lot)National Park Service, Joshua Tree: Stargazing ↗
Utah
Look for the Perseids in mid-August and the bright Geminids in mid-December, the park says. Its darkest skies are on the east side and along Kolob Terrace Road.
Where to watch: Checkerboard Mesa Pullout (no restrooms), Lava Point Overlook (closes seasonally when snow falls), Timber Creek Parking LotNational Park Service, Zion: Sunset and Stargazing ↗
Nevada
The park names four showers to plan around: the Perseids in August, the Orionids in October, the Leonids in November and the Geminids in December. None of its stargazing spots allow overnight camping.
Where to watch: Astronomy Amphitheater (near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center)National Park Service, Great Basin: Stargazing on Your Own ↗
Yes. Bright moonlight means fewer stars, Joshua Tree's rangers say, and Great Basin's say a new moon gives the best skies. Our planner shows the moon for your dates.Sources: National Park Service, Great Basin: Stargazing on Your Own ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Joshua Tree: Stargazing ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Everywhere. A shower is named after the constellation its meteors seem to come from, but NASA says they show up all over the night sky. Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark.Source: NASA Science, Geminids ↗ (opens in a new tab)
A red flashlight or headlamp: red light keeps your night vision, Great Basin's rangers say. For the January and December showers, NASA suggests a sleeping bag, a blanket or a lawn chair.Sources: National Park Service, Great Basin: Stargazing on Your Own ↗ (opens in a new tab), NASA Science, Geminids ↗ (opens in a new tab), NASA Science, Quadrantids ↗ (opens in a new tab)