Perseid meteor shower 2026 — When, where and how to see it

A long exposure perseid meteor shower image of the night sky showing tens of perseid meteors streaking through the sky as long white lines against a backdrop of stars. In the distance a person stands with arms outstretched to the sky. .

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year. The shower is active from mid-July until late August and will peak on the night of Aug. 12, before dawn on Aug. 13, 2026.

Viewers should start observing around 11 p.m. local time when the rates of shooting stars increase and can watch the sky until dawn.