PERSEIDS 2026 · BEST VIEWING GUIDE

THE BEST WAY TO WATCH METEORS TONIGHT

Expert tips for dark skies, peak timing, and what to bring — plus a live cloud forecast so you know if tonight is worth stepping outside.

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Live forecast

Is your sky clear tonight?

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Weather: Open-Meteo

Viewing guide

Get more meteors with less gear

01 · DARK

Escape light pollution

Find the darkest safe location. Turn down phone brightness.

02 · ADAPT

Wait 20–30 minutes

Dark adaptation is essential for catching faint meteors.

03 · WIDE

No telescope needed

Lie back with a wide view. Meteors streak across the whole sky.

04 · NE

Look northeast

Perseus radiant rises higher after 10–11 p.m. local time.

05 · LATE

Stay out past midnight

Rates improve as the radiant climbs higher in the sky.

06 · COMFORT

Bring a blanket

Chair, warm layer, water — patience beats expensive gear.

FAQ

Common questions

Is there a meteor shower tonight?

Yes — the Perseids peak tonight (Aug 12 into Aug 13, 2026). They're active July 17 through August 24.

What time should I watch?

Peak is ~02:00–04:00 UTC Aug 13. Locally, start around 10–11 p.m. when the radiant rises higher.

Do I need a telescope?

No. Meteors are best seen with the naked eye across a wide field of view.

Where should I look?

Generally northeast toward Perseus, but meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.