Leonids 2026: peak on 18 November, Moon 55% lit
The Leonids peak on 18 November and are active from 6 November to 30 November. At the peak the Moon will be 55% lit: fair conditions. From Madrid, the best time is around 06:58 CET, with about 13 meteors per hour under a dark sky.
- Peak
- Active
- 6 November – 30 November
- Peak rate (ZHR)
- 15 per hour
- Moon at peak
- 55% ·
- Radiant
- Leo (RA 152°, Dec +22°)
- Speed
- 71 km/s
- Parent body
- 55P/Tempel-Tuttle
In 2027: peak on 18 November, Moon 80% lit.
Peak night in your city
| City | Best time | Meteors/hour* | Radiant rises | Moon-free dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MadridSpain | 06:58 CET | 13 | 00:11 CET | 6 hrs |
| IstanbulTürkiye | 06:47 TRT | 14 | 23:59 TRT | 6 hrs 10 mins |
| São PauloBrazil | 04:13 BRT | 8 | 01:03 BRT | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| Mexico CityMexico | 05:46 CST | 12 | 00:19 CST | 4 hrs 50 mins |
| Rio de JaneiroBrazil | 03:58 BRT | 8 | 00:48 BRT | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| AnkaraTürkiye | 06:32 TRT | 14 | 23:46 TRT | 6 hrs 10 mins |
| BursaTürkiye | 06:47 TRT | 14 | 00:00 TRT | 6 hrs 10 mins |
| IzmirTürkiye | 06:47 TRT | 14 | 00:13 TRT | 6 hrs |
| Buenos AiresArgentina | 04:30 ART | 5 | 02:14 ART | 2 hrs 40 mins |
| Belo HorizonteBrazil | 04:15 BRT | 9 | 00:46 BRT | 3 hrs 40 mins |
* Estimate for a dark rural sky, taking the radiant’s altitude and the Moon into account. From a city you will see far fewer. Local time for each city.
ZHR: meteors per hour with the radiant overhead and a perfectly dark sky. In practice you see fewer.
How to watch
No telescope or binoculars needed. Find a dark spot away from lights, lie back looking at the highest part of the sky and give your eyes 20 minutes to adapt. Meteors appear in every direction; their trails point back to the radiant.
Frequently asked questions
What time are the most Leonids visible?
When the radiant is high and the sky is dark, usually in the second half of the night. From Madrid, on the peak night the best time is around 06:58 CET.
Will the Moon interfere?
At the peak the Moon will be 55% lit. Above 65 % with the Moon high, faint meteors are lost; try watching when the Moon is below the horizon, or with your back to it.
Source and accuracy
IAU 013 LEO