Where to see the Meteor shower? Best Places & Times

The majority of meteor showers are simple to watch: All one has to do is go outside in a dark sky and look up! However, there are those meteor showers that occur during the day, when the sun is up. The Arietids can be regarded as the most prominent daytime meteor shower. During the dark hour before dawn, you may be able to capture some Arietids.

When should I book to see a meteor shower?

To view a meteor shower at its finest, plan to observe around the peak date, when meteor activity is most likely to be seen, usually from late evening to dawn. The important points to note to book and time your meteor shower viewing are:

Book Early for Popular Showers:

When it comes to major meteor shower events such as the Perseids, Leonids, Geminids, or Quadrantids, it is not a bad idea to reserve your viewing location or camping site (accommodation) 2 to 4 months in advance (depending on how popular the stargazing area is) to ensure that you have a place to stay during the event.

Know the Peak Dates:

Meteor showers have peak dates, when the meteor rate is at its maximum. For example, the Perseid meteor shower in 2025 will be at its best on the night of August 12.

You can enjoy watching shooting stars from this shower from July 17 until August 24. Other showers have their peak times, like the Leonids in mid-November and the Geminids in mid-December.

One crucial point is that meteor showers are often visible for days/weeks around the peak, not just one night.

Best Times and Conditions for Viewing:

Sometimes booking in advance isn't enough, and you need to be in the best condition to avoid missing them. So knowing the information below is required.

The Best Time of Night:

Meteor showers should be viewed around 11 p.m. local time, and their rates improve as the night progresses until dawn. In the case of the Perseids, the optimal Observation time is between midnight and 5:30 a.m. Some of them, like the Arietids, are best seen just before dawn.

You must know about Moon Condition:

The best time to see meteors is when the Moon is not in the sky or is just a small sliver. A bright moon can wash out fainter meteors and make them harder to see."

The American Meteor Society provides a calendar of when showers occur; below, we've put together calendars for 2025 and 2026.

Best Locations for Watching Meteor Showers in the USA

Now, we have a complete list of destinations where you can see the meteor shower in the best way possible:

1. Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA

A favorite for stargazers due to its dark skies far from city light pollution, it is best for winter meteor showers and summer Perseids. Book in advance, especially in summer. Camping and nearby accommodations are available, but spots fill quickly.

1. Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Known as the least light-polluted national park in the U.S., it offers spectacular views of meteor showers like the Perseids and Quadrantids. Book 3-4 months ahead, especially for summer showers. Camping permits may be required.

Big Pine Key, Florida, USA

It is excellent for winter meteor showers and southern sky constellations visible in February, and stay away from town lights for the best viewing.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA

Open desert with unobstructed views and minimal light pollution. Great for year-round meteor showers. Book 3 months ahead for peak events. Bring warm clothing for cool desert nights.

Death Valley National Park, California & Nevada, USA

An International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest skies in the U.S. It's best for winter and spring showers, as summer heat can be intense. Book 3-4 months ahead, and consider primitive camping spots for darker skies.

Mauna Kea Observatory, Hawaii, USA

At 13,796 feet, it’s one of the world’s premier stargazing sites with public telescope viewing. Best for the Perseids in August. Book tours or accommodations 3 months ahead. The surrounding area also offers excellent dark skies.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA

An International Dark Sky Park with a remote location and high elevation. Ideal for Perseids and other showers..The dramatic landscape adds to the viewing experience.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania, USA

A Dark Sky hotspot with dedicated astronomy fields and public viewing programs during meteor showers like the Perseids and Orionids. Offers organized events in August and October.

Insider tip: at the above location, you can find the type of place you can stay; search for the best hotel options and book early for a more exciting experience!

Best Locations for Watching Meteor Showers Worldwide:

The above locations are USA destinations; for worldwide, we have other options that can be added to your bucket list.

Mali Lošinj, Croatia

An International Dark Sky Park island with exceptionally dark skies and minimal light pollution. Ideal for the Perseids in August. The island offers charming villages and natural beauty, along with stargazing.

Velebit Dark Sky Park, Croatia

Croatia’s first Dark Sky Park in the Velebit Mountains offers high-altitude, remote viewing. Perfect for Perseids. Hiking or biking to camp under the stars enhances the experience.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

One of the darkest sky reserves globally, it is excellent for Southern Hemisphere showers like the Eta Aquariids (April-May) and Geminids (December). Book 3-4 months ahead, and stay in Tekapo for easy access.

Namib Desert, Namibia

Vast, unpopulated desert with extremely dark skies, best from July to October. Ideal for Perseids and other showers. Book 6 months in advance for the best lodges or camping. Nights can be cold, so bring warm clothing.

Jasper National Park, Canada

A Dark Sky Preserve offering exceptional meteor shower views, especially in summer. Book 3-4 months ahead. Stay at nearby lodges or camps for overnight viewing.

Canary Islands, Spain

High altitude and clear skies make this an excellent European location for the Perseids and other showers; book a few months before, especially in August. The islands combine incredible stargazing with pleasant weather and tourist amenities.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Due to its extreme dryness and high altitude, it is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. It is also ideal for meteor showers year-round. Due to its popularity, book 4-6 months ahead. Combine with astronomy tours.

Book a flight worldwide and fly to the above destinations at the best cost and features!

Final Travel Advice: Be Prepared, Not Just Excited

Watching a meteor shower is one of those rare travel experiences that feels truly cosmic, but like all nature-based events, it’s also unpredictable. Even the best-planned trips can face cloudy skies, cold nights, or unexpected park closures, so it’s crucial to plan with both wonder and realism.

If you’re camping overnight in national parks, always book authorized campsites early, follow local safety rules, and check the weather forecast a few days in advance. Clear, dark skies are key, and if clouds do roll in, don’t be discouraged. Many destinations like Joshua Tree, Big Bend, or the Atacama Desert offer stargazing tours or observatory experiences you can enjoy even when meteor visibility is low.

Remember, no telescope or app guarantees the perfect meteor moment; it’s about being in the right place, at the right time, under the right sky. Use tools like Sky Guide or Star Walk 2 to find your best window, and choose locations known for stable weather and minimal light pollution.

Whether you’re in Hawaii, New Zealand, or the Namib Desert, honesty with yourself about the conditions and preparation will turn your trip from a gamble into a story worth telling, because sometimes, even the quiet wait under a cloudy sky becomes part of the magic. Use of Smart Traveling tools can help you create a personal plan and consider all the details to avoid all the bad things that can happen to you