Chase the Sky: 7 Dazzling Meteor Showers and Where to Watch Them in the USA
by Travelopod
July 18, 2025
Ever wished upon a shooting star? Imagine standing under a dark sky as bright streaks from meteor showers fill the sky like fireworks. Sounds magical enough? Another amazing part is that nature is putting on this free show in 2025.
Prepare yourself with this year's largest meteor showers and the best viewing locations in this guide.
When is the next meteor shower, and where’s the best place to see it?
When is the next meteor shower, and where’s the best place to see it?
Watching meteors fall is beautiful and perfect for sharing with someone special. If you want magical moments under the stars, here are some meteor showers to catch. Find a quiet spot, look up, and enjoy nature’s show together.
1. The Perseid Meteor Shower (August 11–13)
1. The Perseid Meteor Shower (August 11–13)
The Perseids aren’t just any meteor shower—Every August, they put on a show you don’t want to miss. This magical show happens as Earth passes through the sparkling dust left by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
When the meteor shower is at its strongest, around 100 shooting stars can be seen each hour. The best time to watch is after midnight, looking toward the northeast.
You don’t need a telescope. Just your eyes, a cozy spot, and a little patience.
Best Places to Observe in the USA:
- Yellowstone National Park.
- Glacier National Park.
- Adirondacks.
2. The Draconid Meteor Shower (October 8–9)
2. The Draconid Meteor Shower (October 8–9)
The Draconid Meteor Shower, also called the Giacobinids, happens every October. It comes from dust left by Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner.
Sometimes, it puts on amazing shows, but not every year. Its odd timing makes it special and loved by people watching the sky in the Northern Hemisphere.
Best Places to Observe in the USA:
- Denali National Park.
- Mount Rainier.
- Banff National Park.
3. The Orionid Meteor Shower (October 21–22)
3. The Orionid Meteor Shower (October 21–22)
The Orionid meteor shower is made of particles from the legendary Halley’s Comet. Every October, our planet moves through the remnants of dust and ice that this veteran wanderer has left behind. On a good night, you'll see approximately 20 meteors per hour.
To catch them, face east or southeast after midnight.
Best Places to Observe in the USA:
- Arizona Desert
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Joshua Tree, California
4. Taurid Meteor Shower (November 4–5 and 11–12)
4. Taurid Meteor Shower (November 4–5 and 11–12)
The Taurids aren’t your usual meteor shower. They sometimes surprise you with bright fireballs that light up the sky like tiny bursts.
They come from dust left behind by Comet Encke. These meteors glow brightly and move more slowly than most, making them easy to spot.
It reaches its brightest twice, first in early November and again in mid-November. You may only see a few meteors each hour, but they’re often big, slow, and super bright.
Best Places to Observe in the USA:
- Nevada Desert.
- Mojave Desert.
- Badlands National Park.
5. Leonid Meteor Shower (November 17–18)
5. Leonid Meteor Shower (November 17–18)
The Leonid meteor shower is one of the most thrilling sights you can catch in the night sky. Back in 1833, people were amazed as thousands of meteors streaked across the sky every hour, lighting up the darkness like a fiery rain.
Every 33 years or so, the Leonids explode into a spectacular storm of shooting stars, offering an unforgettable show for anyone who loves to watch the skies.
Best Places to Observe in the USA:
- Great Basin, Nevada.
- Shenandoah National Park.
- Grand Canyon rim.
6. Geminid Meteor Shower (December 13–14)
6. Geminid Meteor Shower (December 13–14)
The Geminids are often called the highlight of the meteor shower calendar. They illuminate the night sky every December with bright, vibrant meteors that can be white, yellow, green, or even blue.
The Geminids are special because, instead of a comet, they originate from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon.
At their best, you could spot a maximum of 120 meteors per hour, which would make the sky glitter like a wonderland.
Best Places to Observe in the USA:
- Death Valley.
- Bryce Canyon, Utah.
- Great Sand Dunes, Colorado.
7. Ursids (December 22–23)
7. Ursids (December 22–23)
The Ursids are a peaceful finale to the end of the year's star-gazing. They are not as large as some showers, typically displaying 5 to 10 meteors per hour, but their soft beauty makes them unique.
They are produced by dust that Comet 8P/Tuttle has left behind and tend to be brief, vivid flashes in the nighttime winter sky.
The optimal viewing time is after midnight, facing north.
Best Places to observe in the USA:
- Alaska
- Glacier National Park.
- Adirondacks, NY.
Adding Magic to Your Meteor Showers(Meteor Shower Viewing Tips) :
Adding Magic to Your Meteor Showers(Meteor Shower Viewing Tips) :
- Pick a spot far from bright city lights for a dark, clear sky.
- Check the peak dates for each shower.
- Spend 20 minutes letting your eyes adjust to low light.
- Bring a blanket or chair for comfort.
- Be patient—meteors often come in bursts!
So, Ready to Chase the Sky?
Whether you're out in the desert, high in the mountains, or lying in your backyard, watching a meteor shower is pure magic. It is a moment to pause, look up, and feel connected to something bigger. So grab a blanket, make a wish, and let the sky put on a show you’ll never forget. The night sky is calling—wish upon a shooting star.
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