Geminids 2026: peak on 14 December, Moon 25% lit
The Geminids peak on 14 December and are active from 4 December to 20 December. At the peak the Moon will be 25% lit: good conditions. From Madrid, the best time is around 02:33 CET, with about 125 meteors per hour under a dark sky.
- Peak
- Active
- 4 December – 20 December
- Peak rate (ZHR)
- 150 per hour
- Moon at peak
- 25% ·
- Radiant
- Gemini (RA 112°, Dec +33°)
- Speed
- 35 km/s
- Parent body
- 3200 Phaethon
In 2027: peak on 14 December, Moon 98% lit.
Peak night in your city
| City | Best time | Meteors/hour* | Radiant rises | Moon-free dark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MadridSpain | 02:33 CET | 125 | 18:53 CET | 8 hrs 40 mins |
| IstanbulTürkiye | 02:22 TRT | 132 | 18:42 TRT | 8 hrs 40 mins |
| São PauloBrazil | 02:13 BRT | 76 | 21:06 BRT | 6 hrs |
| Mexico CityMexico | 02:41 CST | 141 | 19:38 CST | 8 hrs |
| Rio de JaneiroBrazil | 01:58 BRT | 76 | 20:51 BRT | 6 hrs |
| AnkaraTürkiye | 02:08 TRT | 133 | 18:28 TRT | 8 hrs 30 mins |
| BursaTürkiye | 02:23 TRT | 132 | 18:43 TRT | 8 hrs 40 mins |
| IzmirTürkiye | 02:34 TRT | 132 | 18:58 TRT | 8 hrs 30 mins |
| Buenos AiresArgentina | 02:57 ART | 53 | 22:34 ART | 5 hrs 10 mins |
| Belo HorizonteBrazil | 02:03 BRT | 82 | 20:45 BRT | 6 hrs 10 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 Geminids 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 02:33 CET.
Will the Moon interfere?
At the peak the Moon will be 25% 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 004 GEM