The Leonid meteor shower 2026 is expected to peak on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 17, into the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 18. The best window is after midnight until dawn, when the shower’s radiant in the constellation Leo climbs high. Under a dark, clear sky, expect roughly 10 to 15 meteors per hour, and the first-quarter moon sets early enough to leave the pre-dawn hours dark.
The Leonids are not one of the year’s richest showers, but they are famous for their speed and for producing some of the most dramatic meteor storms ever recorded. Here is what to expect this year and how to give yourself the best chance of seeing them.
Leonids 2026 at a glance
| Detail | 2026 forecast |
|---|---|
| Active period | Early November to about Dec. 2 (start dates vary by source, Nov. 3–6) |
| Predicted peak | Around 0:00 UTC Nov. 18 (7 p.m. EST on Nov. 17) |
| Best night to watch | Late Nov. 17 until dawn Nov. 18; the morning of Nov. 17 is a backup |
| Expected rate | About 10–15 meteors per hour in a dark sky |
| Moon | First quarter (about half lit), sets around midnight local time |
| Radiant | The “Sickle” of Leo, rising around midnight |
| Parent comet | 55P/Tempel-Tuttle (orbit of roughly 33 years) |
| Meteor speed | About 71 km/s (roughly 44 miles per second) |
Although the predicted peak falls in the early evening for North America, Leo has not yet risen at that hour, so few meteors are visible. Rates improve after midnight as the radiant rises, and they are usually best in the last couple of hours before dawn.
How to watch the Leonids, step by step
- Check the forecast. Clouds are the biggest spoiler. If Nov. 17–18 is overcast, try the mornings of Nov. 16 or Nov. 19, when rates are lower but still above normal.
- Get away from city lights. A park, rural road or beach that is shielded from streetlights can double the number of meteors you see.
- Go out after the moon sets. Around midnight is ideal. Plan to stay at least 45 minutes; your eyes need about 20 minutes to adapt to the dark.
- Look up, not at Leo. Meteors appear all over the sky. Facing east or south and taking in a wide area of sky works better than staring at the radiant itself.
- Skip the telescope. Meteors move too fast for binoculars or telescopes. A reclining chair, a warm blanket and a hot drink are more useful.
- Keep your phone dim. Use red-light mode or turn the brightness down, because every glance at a bright screen resets your night vision.
New to skywatching? Our beginner’s guide to meteor showers explains radiants, hourly rates and what gear is worth bringing.
What causes the Leonids?
Every November, Earth passes through a stream of dust left behind by Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, which circles the Sun about once every 33 years. When those tiny particles hit our atmosphere at around 71 kilometers per second, they burn up and leave bright streaks. That high speed is why Leonids often look quick and sharp, and why the brightest ones can leave glowing trails that linger for a second or two.
Because the meteors seem to fly out of the constellation Leo, the shower is named after it. The radiant sits near the curved “Sickle” pattern that marks the lion’s head, which rises in the east around midnight in mid-November. This year, Jupiter and Mars are also near that part of the sky, which makes Leo easier to locate.
Will 2026 bring a meteor storm?
No. Astronomers do not expect an outburst this year. The Leonids are famous because of history, not because of their typical rates. In 1833, observers in North America described meteors falling like snow, with estimates topping 100,000 per hour. In 1966, skywatchers in the American Southwest reported dozens of meteors per second for a short burst. Strong displays returned between 1999 and 2002.
Storms tend to cluster around the years when the parent comet returns to the inner solar system. Tempel-Tuttle is due back in the early 2030s, so astronomers will be watching those years closely, though no storm has been forecast. For 2026, think of the Leonids as a pleasant, modest show rather than a once-in-a-lifetime event.
While you wait for meteors, the moon makes a good early-evening target before it sets. Our guide on how to see the moon’s craters with binoculars shows what to look for near the first-quarter line.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to see the Leonid meteor shower in 2026?
From about midnight until the first light of dawn on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in your local time. The early-morning hours of Nov. 17 are a good second choice.
How many Leonid meteors can I expect to see?
About 10 to 15 per hour from a dark rural site. In the suburbs you may see only a handful, and in a brightly lit city very few.
Can I see the Leonids from the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes, but rates are lower because Leo rises later and stays lower in the sky. The Northern Hemisphere has the better view.
Do I need special equipment?
No. Your eyes are the best tool. For photos, use a camera on a tripod with a wide-angle lens and long exposures, and take many frames to catch a meteor.
Sources: EarthSky Leonid guide and Star Walk 2026 forecast. Peak timing can shift slightly; check a sky app for your location.
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