Meteor showers are among the most captivating celestial events visible to the naked eye. Imagine looking up at the night sky and witnessing dozens, or even hundreds, of shooting stars streaking across the darkness. If you’re wondering, “What Time Is The Meteor Shower Tonight?”, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the must-see meteor showers of 2025, ensuring you don’t miss these spectacular cosmic displays.
To understand what makes meteor showers so special, let’s quickly define what they are. A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through a stream of cosmic debris, called meteoroids. These tiny particles enter our atmosphere at incredibly high speeds, burning up and creating the streaks of light we call meteors. These meteors appear to originate from a single point in the sky, known as the radiant.
For the best meteor shower viewing experience, timing and location are key. Generally, meteor showers are best observed after midnight, when the radiant point rises higher in the sky. Moonlight can significantly impact visibility, washing out fainter meteors. Therefore, checking the moon phase is crucial when planning your meteor watching night.
Below is your guide to the most prominent and easily observable meteor showers in 2025. Mark your calendars and get ready to witness the magic of these celestial fireworks!
Lyrids Meteor Shower: Peak April 21-22, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 40% full, indicating moderately good viewing conditions for the Lyrids meteor shower peak in April 2025.
The Lyrids meteor shower is a medium-strength shower known for producing reliably good rates for about three nights around its peak. While Lyrids meteors are not typically known for persistent trains, they can surprise viewers with bright fireballs. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the Lyrids are particularly well-positioned, with the radiant climbing high in the sky before dawn. Southern Hemisphere observers can still catch some activity, though at a reduced rate.
When to Watch the Lyrids Tonight: The peak of the Lyrids meteor shower is expected on the night of April 21-22, 2025. The best time to watch will be after midnight and before dawn. In 2025, a waning crescent moon, about 40% full, will be present, potentially slightly affecting visibility of fainter meteors. However, the brighter Lyrids should still be easily visible.
Lyrids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: April 17th to April 26th, 2025
- Peak Date: April 21-22, 2025
- Radiant: 18:08 +33.3°
- ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate): 18 (average number of meteors visible per hour under ideal dark sky conditions)
- Velocity: 29 miles/sec (medium – 46.6km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher)
eta Aquariids Meteor Shower: Peak May 3-4, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 44% full, suggesting moderate moonlight interference for viewing the Eta Aquariids meteor shower peak in early May 2025.
The eta Aquariids meteor shower is a strong shower, especially for viewers in the southern tropics. From the equator northward, it typically offers medium rates of 10-30 meteors per hour in the pre-dawn hours. Eta Aquariids are known for their swift speed and tendency to produce persistent trains – lingering trails of ionized gas – but fewer bright fireballs.
Best Time to See the eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Tonight: The eta Aquariids will peak on the night of May 3-4, 2025. The good news for 2025 is that the moon, at its first quarter, will set well before the radiant rises, providing excellent dark sky conditions for viewing this shower. Look towards the east in the hours before dawn for the best chances to spot eta Aquariids meteors.
eta Aquariids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: April 20th to May 21st, 2025
- Peak Date: May 3-4, 2025
- Radiant: 22:28 -1°
- ZHR: 50 (significant meteor activity expected at peak)
- Velocity: 40.7 miles/sec (swift – 65.4km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 1P/Halley (Halley’s Comet)
Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower: Peak July 29-30, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 27% full, indicating favorable dark sky conditions for observing the Southern Delta Aquariids meteor shower peak in late July 2025.
The Southern Delta Aquariids are another strong meteor shower that is best viewed from the southern tropics. North of the equator, the radiant remains lower in the southern sky, resulting in fewer visible meteors compared to more southerly locations. This shower provides consistent meteor activity for about a week centered on its peak night. Southern Delta Aquariids are generally fainter meteors and are not known for fireballs or persistent trains.
When is the Best Time to Watch the Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The Southern Delta Aquariids peak is predicted for the night of July 29-30, 2025. A waxing crescent moon will set before the radiant gets high in the sky, offering favorable dark conditions during the morning hours. Look to the southern sky after midnight for optimal viewing.
Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: July 18th, 2025 to August 12th, 2025
- Peak Date: July 29-30, 2025
- Radiant: 22:40 -16.4°
- ZHR: 25 (moderate meteor shower strength)
- Velocity: 25 miles/sec (medium – 40km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 96P/Machholz? (possible parent comet)
Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower: Peak July 29-30, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 27% full, providing good dark sky conditions for viewing the Alpha Capricornids meteor shower peak around late July 2025.
The Alpha Capricornids meteor shower is active for a long period from mid-July to mid-August, with a broad, plateau-like maximum around July 30th. While not a particularly strong shower in terms of meteor count, rarely exceeding 5 meteors per hour, it’s notable for producing a higher number of bright fireballs. This shower is equally well seen from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
What Time is the Best for Viewing the Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The Alpha Capricornids share their peak night with the Southern Delta Aquariids, occurring on July 29-30, 2025. With a 27% full waxing crescent moon setting early, viewing conditions will be dark and conducive to spotting these fireballs throughout the night, especially after midnight.
Alpha Capricornids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: July 12th, 2025 to August 12th, 2025
- Peak Date: July 29-30, 2025
- Radiant: 20:22 -9.3°
- ZHR: 5 (lower rate, but higher chance of fireballs)
- Velocity: 14 miles/sec (slow – 22km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 169P/NEAT
Perseids Meteor Shower: Peak August 12-13, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 84% full, indicating significant moonlight interference for observing the Perseids meteor shower peak in mid-August 2025.
The Perseids are arguably the most popular meteor shower, peaking during warm August nights in the Northern Hemisphere. Active from mid-July to late August, the Perseids reach a strong maximum around August 12th or 13th. Under dark skies, you can typically expect to see 50-75 meteors per hour at the peak. These meteors originate from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle and are named Perseids because their radiant appears in the constellation Perseus.
When to See the Perseids Meteor Shower Tonight: The Perseids will peak on the night of August 12-13, 2025. Unfortunately, in 2025, a waning gibbous moon, at 84% full, will severely impact viewing conditions. Moonlight will wash out most of the fainter meteors, reducing visible activity by as much as 75%. Only the brightest Perseids fireballs are likely to be easily seen. Despite the moonlight, it’s still worth looking, especially in areas with minimal light pollution, but expectations for meteor counts should be adjusted.
Perseids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: July 17th, 2025 to August 23rd, 2025
- Peak Date: August 12-13, 2025
- Radiant: 03:17 +58.1°
- ZHR: 100 (potentially very high meteor count under ideal dark conditions)
- Velocity: 37 miles/sec (swift – 59km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle
Orionids Meteor Shower: Peak October 22-23, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 2% full, providing excellent dark sky conditions for viewing the Orionids meteor shower peak in late October 2025.
The Orionids are a medium-strength meteor shower known for occasional bursts of high activity. In typical years, they produce 10-20 meteors per hour at their peak. However, in some years, like 2006-2009, they have reached rates comparable to the Perseids. Recent years have seen more average displays.
Best Time to Observe the Orionids Meteor Shower Tonight: The Orionids will peak on the night of October 22-23, 2025. Viewing conditions for the Orionids in 2025 are excellent. A waning crescent moon, only 2% full, will rise near dawn and will not interfere with meteor viewing at all. Enjoy dark skies all night long for this shower!
Orionids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: October 2nd, 2025 to November 12th, 2025
- Peak Date: October 22-23, 2025
- Radiant: 06:25 +15.8°
- ZHR: 20 (moderate meteor shower activity)
- Velocity: 41 miles/sec (swift – 66km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 1P/Halley (Halley’s Comet)
Southern Taurids Meteor Shower: Peak November 3-4, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 96% full, indicating very strong moonlight interference for viewing the Southern Taurids meteor shower peak in early November 2025.
The Southern Taurids are part of a complex meteor shower group, with two main components. The annual component peaks in mid-October, and the fireball swarm component peaks around November 4th. 2025 is expected to be a swarm year, making November 4th the listed peak. Taurids (both branches) are known for being rich in fireballs and contribute to increased fireball sightings from September through November.
What Time is Best to See the Southern Taurids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The peak of the Southern Taurids is expected on the night of November 3-4, 2025. Unfortunately, a nearly full moon (96% full) will dominate the night sky. Moonlight will severely hinder viewing of all but the brightest fireballs from the Southern Taurids. While fireballs are a highlight of this shower, the overall meteor count will be significantly reduced due to moonlight.
Southern Taurids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: October 13th, 2025 to November 27th, 2025
- Peak Date: November 3-4, 2025
- Radiant: 03:34 +14.5°
- ZHR: 5 (low meteor rate, but higher fireball potential)
- Velocity: 17.7 miles/sec (slow – 28.5km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 2P/Encke
Northern Taurids Meteor Shower: Peak November 8-9, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 83% full, suggesting strong moonlight interference for observing the Northern Taurids meteor shower peak in early November 2025.
The Northern Taurids are similar to the Southern Taurids, but active slightly later in the year. When both showers are active simultaneously in late October and early November, there can be a noticeable increase in fireball activity.
When to Watch the Northern Taurids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The Northern Taurids will peak on the night of November 8-9, 2025. Similar to the Southern Taurids peak, the Northern Taurids peak in 2025 coincides with a bright, waning gibbous moon (83% full). Moonlight will significantly reduce the visibility of fainter meteors. Fireball sightings might still be possible, but overall meteor viewing will be compromised.
Northern Taurids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: October 13th, 2025 to December 1st, 2025
- Peak Date: November 8-9, 2025
- Radiant: 03:53 +22.2°
- ZHR: 5 (low meteor rate, but fireball potential)
- Velocity: 17.6 miles/sec (slow – 28.3km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 2P/Encke
Leonids Meteor Shower: Peak November 16-17, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 9% full, indicating very good dark sky conditions for viewing the Leonids meteor shower peak in mid-November 2025.
The Leonids are famous for producing spectacular meteor storms in certain years, particularly around the times when their parent comet, 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, is closest to the sun. While meteor storms aren’t expected in 2025, the Leonids are still a shower to watch.
Best Time to See the Leonids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The Leonids peak is expected on the night of November 16-17, 2025. A waning crescent moon, only 9% full, will provide excellent dark sky conditions for viewing the Leonids. Look for meteors after midnight, with the best viewing likely in the pre-dawn hours.
Leonids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: November 3rd, 2025 to December 2nd, 2025
- Peak Date: November 16-17, 2025
- Radiant: 10:16 +21.8°
- ZHR: 15 (moderate meteor shower strength)
- Velocity: 43.5 miles/sec (swift – 69.7km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle
Geminids Meteor Shower: Peak December 12-13, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 39% full, suggesting moderately good conditions for viewing the Geminids meteor shower peak in mid-December 2025.
The Geminids are often considered the strongest meteor shower of the year, and a highlight for meteor enthusiasts. Unlike most showers best seen after midnight, the Geminids are well-placed for viewing even before midnight, as the constellation Gemini rises in the evening. Geminids meteors are known for being bright and often intensely colored.
What Time is the Best to Watch the Geminids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The Geminids will peak on the night of December 12-13, 2025. A waning crescent moon, about 39% full, will rise around 2 am local standard time, meaning viewing before moonrise will be moon-free. Even after moonrise, facing westward with the moon behind you can still allow for successful observations of these bright meteors.
Geminids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: December 1st, 2025 to December 21st, 2025
- Peak Date: December 12-13, 2025
- Radiant: 07:33 +32.4°
- ZHR: 150 (very high meteor rate, potentially the strongest shower of the year)
- Velocity: 21 miles/sec (medium – 33.8km/sec)
- Parent Object: Asteroid 3200 Phaethon
Ursids Meteor Shower: Peak December 21-22, 2025
Image alt text: Moon phase at 3% full, providing excellent dark sky conditions for observing the Ursids meteor shower peak just before Christmas 2025.
The Ursids meteor shower often gets overlooked due to its proximity to Christmas and its lower meteor rates compared to the Geminids, which peak just a week prior. Typically, observers can expect to see 5-10 Ursids per hour during the late morning hours of its peak. Occasionally, outbursts with rates exceeding 25 per hour have been observed. The Ursids are primarily a Northern Hemisphere event.
When is the Best Time to Watch the Ursids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The Ursids will peak on the night of December 21-22, 2025. A very thin waning crescent moon (3% full) will ensure dark skies for Ursids viewing. Look for meteors in the late morning hours for the best chance to spot them.
Ursids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: December 16th, 2025 to December 26th, 2025
- Peak Date: December 21-22, 2025
- Radiant: 14:38 +75.4°
- ZHR: 10 (lower rate, but still observable under dark skies)
- Velocity: 20.5 miles/sec (medium – 33.1km/sec)
- Parent Object: Comet 8P/Tuttle
Quadrantids Meteor Shower: Peak January 3-4, 2026
Image alt text: Moon phase at 100% full, indicating complete moonlight interference for viewing the Quadrantids meteor shower peak in early January 2026.
The Quadrantids have the potential to be the strongest meteor shower of the year, but they are often hampered by a short peak duration (only 6 hours) and winter weather in January. Under dark skies, you might expect to see an average of 25 meteors per hour. Quadrantids are known for lacking persistent trains but frequently produce bright fireballs. This shower is best seen from the Northern Hemisphere.
What Time to See the Quadrantids Meteor Shower Tonight?: The Quadrantids will peak on the night of January 3-4, 2026. Unfortunately, 2026 presents a significant challenge for Quadrantids viewing. A full moon will occur on January 3rd, bathing the sky in bright moonlight and obscuring all but the very brightest meteors. Expected hourly rates will be significantly reduced, likely below 10 per hour.
Quadrantids Meteor Shower Details:
- Active Dates: December 26th, 2025 to January 16th, 2026
- Peak Date: January 3-4, 2026
- Radiant: 15:20 +49.7°
- ZHR: 120 (potentially very high rate, but severely impacted by moonlight in 2026)
- Velocity: 25 miles/sec (medium – 40.4km/sec)
- Parent Object: Asteroid 2003 EH
Maximize Your Meteor Shower Viewing Experience
To make the most of your meteor watching nights, remember these tips:
- Find a dark location: Get away from city lights as much as possible.
- Check the moon phase: New moon or crescent moon phases offer the darkest skies.
- Allow your eyes to adjust: Spend at least 20-30 minutes in the dark for your eyes to fully adapt.
- Dress warmly: Nights can get cold, especially during winter showers.
- Be patient: Meteor showers are natural events, and sightings can vary.
- Lie down and look up: Use a blanket or reclining chair for comfortable viewing of the vast night sky.
With this guide, you’re now ready to answer the question “what time is the meteor shower tonight?” for each of these fantastic celestial events in 2025. Happy meteor watching!
