2026 is an exceptional year for meteor watching. With the Perseids peaking during a new moon and the Geminids enjoying dark skies, you'll have prime conditions for the two biggest showers of the year. This guide covers every major meteor shower of 2026 with peak dates, expected rates, and viewing tips.
2026 Meteor Shower Highlights
Best Overall: Geminids (Dec 13-14) – Up to 120 meteors/hour, excellent conditions
Best Summer Shower: Perseids (Aug 12-13) – 60+ meteors/hour, NO moon interference
Best Spring Shower: Lyrids (Apr 22-23) – Dark skies after midnight
Avoid: Quadrantids and Ursids (full moon interference)
Complete 2026 Meteor Shower Calendar
Shower
Peak Dates
ZHR*
Moon Phase
Viewing
Quadrantids
Jan 3-4
40
Full Moon
Poor
Lyrids
Apr 22-23
20
First Quarter (sets midnight)
Good
Eta Aquariids
May 6-7
50
Waning Gibbous
Fair
Delta Aquariids
Jul 28-29
20
Full Moon
Poor
Perseids
Aug 12-13
100
New Moon
Excellent!
Draconids
Oct 7
10
Waning Crescent
Good
Orionids
Oct 21-22
20
Waxing Gibbous (sets after midnight)
Good
Taurids
Nov 4-5
5-10
Waning Crescent
Fair
Leonids
Nov 17-18
15
Waxing Gibbous (sets after midnight)
Good
Geminids
Dec 13-14
120
Waxing Crescent (sets early)
Excellent!
Ursids
Dec 21-22
10
Near Full Moon
Poor
*ZHR = Zenithal Hourly Rate (meteors per hour under ideal conditions)
January: Quadrantids
Peak: January 3-4, 2026
Rate: Up to 40 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Asteroid 2003 EH1
Radiant: Constellation Bootes
2026 Outlook: Unfortunately, a full supermoon will wash out most meteors. Only the brightest fireballs will be visible.
Tip: If you're determined to watch, focus on the hours just before dawn when the radiant is highest. Look away from the Moon.
April: Lyrids
Peak: April 22-23, 2026
Rate: About 20 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher
Radiant: Constellation Lyra (near bright star Vega)
2026 Outlook: Good conditions! The first quarter moon sets around midnight, leaving dark skies for prime viewing.
Tip: The Lyrids are known for leaving bright, persistent dust trails. Best viewing is after midnight from a dark location.
2026 Outlook: Good! The waning crescent moon won't interfere much.
Unique feature: Unlike most showers, the Draconids are best viewed in the early evening rather than after midnight.
October: Orionids
Peak: October 21-22, 2026
Rate: About 20 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Halley's Comet
Radiant: Constellation Orion
2026 Outlook: Good conditions after midnight when the waxing gibbous moon sets.
Tip: Orionid meteors are fast (66 km/s) and often leave persistent trains. Best viewing is in the early morning hours.
November: Taurids
Peak: November 4-5, 2026
Rate: 5-10 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Comet 2P/Encke and Asteroid 2004 TG10
Radiant: Constellation Taurus
2026 Outlook: Fair conditions with a waning crescent moon.
Why watch anyway: The Taurids are famous for producing spectacular fireballs—extra-bright meteors that can light up the entire sky.
November: Leonids
Peak: November 17-18, 2026
Rate: About 15 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Comet Tempel-Tuttle
Radiant: Constellation Leo
2026 Outlook: Good! The waxing gibbous moon sets after midnight, leaving dark skies for early morning viewing.
Historical note: The Leonids produced legendary meteor storms in 1833, 1866, 1966, and 2001 with thousands of meteors per hour. The next potential storm is around 2031-2034.
December: Geminids – THE KING OF METEOR SHOWERS
Don't miss this! The Geminids are the most prolific meteor shower of the year, and 2026 offers excellent viewing conditions.
Peak: December 13-14, 2026
Rate: Up to 120 meteors/hour
Parent Body: Asteroid 3200 Phaethon
Radiant: Constellation Gemini
2026 Outlook: EXCELLENT! The waxing crescent moon sets early in the evening, leaving dark skies all night.