Geminids Meteor Shower 2026
The Geminids are widely considered the most reliable meteor shower of the year. Unlike other showers, their parent body is an asteroid — 3200 Phaethon — not a comet, which makes the meteors denser, slower (35 km/s), and often brilliantly coloured. Active from December 4 to December 20, they peak around December 13–14 with up to 120 meteors per hour. The radiant in Gemini rises early evening and stays high all night, so you can start watching well before midnight. 2026 offers a young crescent moon that sets early — dark, cold, ideal conditions.
2026 Conditions
About the Geminids
The year's most reliable meteor shower. In 2026, a waxing crescent moon sets early, leaving dark skies for the peak. Slow, bright, colorful meteors — perfect for beginners.
How to Watch
- Find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the sky
- Lie on your back and look straight up — no telescope or binoculars needed
- Give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt to the darkness
- Best viewing is usually after midnight when the radiant is highest
- Dress warm and bring a blanket — you'll be lying still for a while
Don't Miss the Geminids
Get a reminder the day before the peak so you can plan your viewing.