Peak November 16–17, 2026 · first-quarter Moon (~49% lit), minor interference · up to ~15/hr · very fast (71 km/s) · radiant in Leo.
The Leonids are the fastest of the major showers — debris from comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle hitting the atmosphere at about 71 km/s, often leaving glowing trains that hang in the sky. They're famous for rare, spectacular storms (1833, 1966, 2001); 2026 is an ordinary year, but a friendly one for watching, with the Moon out of the way before dawn.
When it peaks in 2026 — and the Moon
The Leonids peak in 2026 falls on the night of November 16–17, 2026. That night the Moon is a first-quarter Moon, around 49% lit — an evening Moon that sets before the best after-midnight hours — so moonlight interference is minor. As every year, the Leonids are best in the dark hours after midnight, when the radiant climbs high and the meteor rate builds toward dawn.
Where to look
The Leonids stream out of the 'Sickle' of Leo, which rises after midnight. That makes them a pre-dawn shower: the radiant climbs through the small hours and is highest just before first light, which is also when rates peak. Face away from any lingering glow and take in as much sky as you can.
What to expect
Expect around 15 meteors an hour at the peak in a normal year like 2026 — modest in number, but the Leonids more than make up for it in speed and the frequency of persistent trains and the odd bright fireball. No meteor storm is forecast for 2026; those depend on Earth crossing fresh, dense filaments of comet debris.
What to bring
The Leonids are a naked-eye event — comfort matters more than optics.
- A reclining or zero-gravity chair — you'll be looking up for a while
- A red-light headlamp — preserves your night vision
- Warm layers, a hat and a blanket — you cool off fast lying still
- A hot drink and patience — give your eyes 20+ minutes to adapt
Frequently asked
When do the Leonids peak in 2026?
Overnight on November 16–17, 2026, with the best rates in the hours before dawn on the 17th, once the radiant in Leo has climbed high in the eastern sky.
Will there be a Leonid storm in 2026?
No storm is expected. Leonid storms happen only when Earth plows through a fresh, dense trail of debris from comet Tempel–Tuttle, roughly around its 33-year returns. 2026 is an ordinary year with normal rates of about 15 an hour.
How does the Moon affect the 2026 Leonids?
Favourably. Around the peak the Moon is near first quarter and sets around midnight, so the prime pre-dawn hours — when the Leonids are best — are dark.
What makes the Leonids special?
Speed. At about 71 km/s they're the fastest major shower, which is why so many leave bright, lingering trains. They come from comet 55P/Tempel–Tuttle.
The full Leonids guide · All meteor showers · Tonight's sky →