Peak October 21–22, 2026 · waxing gibbous (~75% lit), strong interference · up to ~20/hr · very fast (66 km/s) · radiant in Orion.
The Orionids are pieces of the most famous comet of all — 1P/Halley — burning up at a swift 66 km/s and frequently leaving glowing trains. They're a dependable, if modest, autumn shower. 2026 is a tougher year, though: a bright Moon is up for much of the night, so timing matters more than usual.
When it peaks in 2026 — and the Moon
The Orionids peak in 2026 falls on the night of October 21–22, 2026. That night the Moon is a waxing gibbous, around 75% lit — a bright gibbous Moon that stays up for much of the night — so moonlight interference is strong. As every year, the Orionids are best in the dark hours after midnight, when the radiant climbs high and the meteor rate builds toward dawn.
Where to look
The radiant sits near Orion, just north of the bright star Betelgeuse, and rises in the mid-to-late evening. Orion is highest before dawn, so the pre-dawn hours are best — and in 2026 the last dark hours after the Moon sets are your real window. Visible from both hemispheres.
What to expect
At their best the Orionids give about 20 meteors an hour from a dark sky, but the 2026 Moon will cut that noticeably. What they lack in numbers they make up for in speed: fast meteors, many with persistent trains, and the occasional bright fireball. Aim for the dark stretch between moonset and first light.
What to bring
The Orionids 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 Orionids peak in 2026?
Overnight on October 21–22, 2026. The broad maximum means good rates for several nights around then, best in the hours before dawn when Orion is high.
Will the Moon interfere with the 2026 Orionids?
Yes — this is a Moon-hampered year. A bright, waxing gibbous Moon is up for much of the night and only sets a few hours before dawn, so the best plan is to watch that final dark hour before first light.
Where do the Orionids come from?
They're debris shed by Halley's Comet (1P/Halley). Earth passes through Halley's stream twice a year — the Orionids in October and the Eta Aquariids in May.
Do I need a telescope?
No — meteors are best seen with the naked eye and a wide view. Get comfortable, dress for a cold October night, and let your eyes adapt to the dark.
The full Orionids guide · All meteor showers · Tonight's sky →