Perseids 2027: peak on 13 August, Moon 87% lit
The Perseids peak on 13 August and are active from 17 July to 24 August. At the peak the Moon will be 87% lit: poor (moon) conditions. From Madrid, the best time is around 06:11 CEST, with about 88 meteors per hour under a dark sky.
- Peak
- Active
- 17 July – 24 August
- Peak rate (ZHR)
- 100 per hour
- Moon at peak
- 87% ·
- Radiant
- Perseus (RA 48°, Dec +58°)
- Speed
- 59 km/s
- Parent body
- 109P/Swift-Tuttle
In 2028: peak on 12 August, Moon 58% lit.
Peak night in your city
| City | Best time | Meteors/hour* | Radiant rises | Moon-free dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MadridSpain | 06:11 CEST | 88 | All night | 2 hrs 50 mins |
| IstanbulTürkiye | 05:03 TRT | 85 | All night | 3 hrs |
| São PauloBrazil | Not visible | 1 hr 50 mins | ||
| Mexico CityMexico | 05:26 CST | 76 | 22:00 CST | 2 hrs 30 mins |
| Rio de JaneiroBrazil | Not visible | 1 hr 50 mins | ||
| AnkaraTürkiye | 04:44 TRT | 84 | All night | 3 hrs |
| BursaTürkiye | 05:00 TRT | 85 | All night | 3 hrs |
| IzmirTürkiye | 05:12 TRT | 84 | All night | 2 hrs 50 mins |
| Buenos AiresArgentina | Not visible | 1 hr 20 mins | ||
| Belo HorizonteBrazil | 05:21 BRT | 21 | 01:58 BRT | 1 hr 50 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 Perseids 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 06:11 CEST.
Will the Moon interfere?
At the peak the Moon will be 87% 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 007 PER