Leonid Meteor Shower: When, Where, and How to Watch the Peak
If the Taurids didn’t quite work out for you this month, don’t worry. Another show is on its way.
The Leonid meteor shower of 2025 is already active and will peak on Nov. 16th - 17th, giving us one of the best chances to catch shooting stars under a dark sky.
The moon will be a slim waning crescent, around 9% full, which is basically a green light for great visibility.
So, if you like to stay up late, this is a perfect weekend excuse to grab a blanket, find a quiet spot, and see what the sky has planned.
When the Leonids Will Peak
The best viewing window will be late in the evening on November 16th, into the early morning of November 17th.
The Leonids are technically active from November 6th through November 30th, but the strongest activity almost always happens around that peak date.
Under dark skies, we can expect about 10 to 15 meteors an hour. It’s not a storm year, but the Leonids are known for their bright, fast streaks that make even a steady drizzle feel exciting.
Why the Leonids Happen in the First Place
Every year, the Earth passes through the dusty trail left behind by comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle’s debris.
When those tiny pieces hit our atmosphere, they burn up and streak across the sky.
The dramatic meteor “storms” the Leonids are famous for are what happens when the comet swings close enough to the Earth’s orbit.
The last big one was in 2002, and experts don’t expect another until 2099, which means 2025 is a special year.
Where to Look in the Sky
The Leonids radiate from the constellation Leo, which rises in the eastern sky.
And you don’t need to stare directly at Leo. In fact, meteors can appear from any direction. But, if you want to get your bearings, apps like SkyView or SkySafari can help you spot the constellation.
The main thing is simply finding darkness – the fewer the streetlights, the better.
More Meteor Showers in 2025
If your calendar is open this year, there are plenty of other opportunities to look up. Some showers have already passed, including the Quadrantids and Lyrids. Others are still in progress.
Here are the showers that will happen during the same season as the Leonids:
Orionids: Sept 26th - Nov 22nd
Southern Taurids: Oct 13th - Nov 27th
Northern Taurids: Oct 13th - Dec 1st
Leonids: Nov 3rd - Dec 2nd
Geminids: Dec 1st - Dec 21st
Ursids: Dec 16th - Dec 26th
If you’re looking for the easiest ones to watch, the Leonids and Ursids usually appear in dark skies with the least interference from the moon, perfect for November and December stargazing.
This is part of the reason why the Leonids consistently rank as one of the most standout meteor showers November 2025 has to offer.
How to Watch the Leonid Meteor Shower
You don’t need fancy equipment. In fact, telescopes and binoculars will only narrow your field of vision, making the meteors harder to spot.
For the best experience, you can:
Check your local weather and cloud cover.
Find a dark location away from city lights.
Give your eyes 20 - 30 minutes to adjust.
Avoid using your phone or other bright lights.
Dress warmly.
Bring a blanket, sleeping bag, or reclining chair.
Be patient; the Leonids reward slow, steady stargazing.
This is the heart of how to watch the Leonid meteor shower: get comfortable, go somewhere dark, and let your eyes do the talking.
Why This Year Is Worth Stepping Outside
With a dim crescent moon and multiple active showers overlapping, mid-November is shaping up to be one of the best windows for stargazing.
Even if the Leonids don’t reach storm levels, there’s something special about settling under an open sky and watching meteors streak by, especially when the conditions are this promising. Enjoy your starry, starry night!
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