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Science

Top Places in the Bay Area to See the Perseid Meteor Shower

Sarah Mohamad
The Perseids are expected to peak on the nights of Aug. 11–13, producing up to 100 meteors per hour, making it one of the most reliable annual meteor showers to watch out for.
A meteor from the 2016 Perseid meteor shower streaks across the night sky above some pine trees in the Cleveland National Forest, Mount Laguna, San Diego County.  (Kevin Key/Slworking via Getty Images)

The Perseid meteor shower is the most anticipated light show of the year.

And while the Perseids have already been illuminating our dark skies as of late July, they’re expected to peak starting this weekend — on Sunday, Aug. 11, Monday,  Aug. 12 and Tuesday, Aug. 13.

Producing up to 100 meteors per hour, the Perseids form one of the most reliable annual meteor showers to watch out for. And under optimal weather conditions — especially in the pre-dawn hours when the sky is darkest — observers will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of these “shooting stars” if they know where to look.

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Keep reading for the best places to see the Perseid meteor shower in the Bay Area this year.

When to see the Perseid meteor shower in the Bay Area

The best time to view the Perseids is during the peak nights, which in 2024 are:

  • Sunday, Aug. 11
  • Monday, Aug. 12
  • Tuesday, Aug. 13

As for timing, meteors are most visible between midnight, after the moon sets, and dawn.

Where to watch the Perseid meteor shower in the Bay Area 

For meteor spotting, you want to choose a dark location away from city lights.

Here are a few popular dark locations for watching meteor showers in the Bay Area:

  • Henry Coe State Park, South Bay
  • Tilden Park, East Bay
  • Sunol Regional Wilderness, East Bay
  • Mount Diablo, East Bay
  • Skyline Boulevard, Peninsula
  • Montara Beach, Peninsula
  • Pescadero, Peninsula
  • Point Reyes National Seashore, North Bay
  • Bodega Bay, North Bay

In the North Bay, you can find miles of darkened rural skies from the coast eastward. But note that fog in coastal areas might disrupt your views of the dark night sky.

State parks, national forests, and rural areas are also ideal for night sky watching. And if you’re looking to go beyond the Bay Area, popular spots in California include Pinnacles National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Read our tips for finding a last-minute camping reservation near the Bay Area.

Where to look in the sky to see the Perseid meteor shower

If you’re heading out to see the meteor shower, be prepared to be outdoors for at least a few hours. Bring a reclining chair or a blanket to lie on for comfort. Dress warmly as temperatures can drop at night, even in summer. Make sure to check the weather forecast — clear skies are essential for optimal viewing.

Once you’re situated, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for about 20–30 minutes and avoid looking at your phone or any other bright lights, as this can reduce night vision.

Look towards the northeast horizon, where the constellation Perseus will be rising, and enjoy the show.

What is a meteor shower? 

A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by a comet or, in some cases, an asteroid. As Earth moves through the debris, these particles enter our atmosphere at high speeds and burn up, creating striking streaks of light.

The Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus, the point from which the meteors appear to radiate, and are fragments of the comet Swift-Tuttle. This comet last passed near Earth in 1992 and won’t return until 2126.

A version of this story was originally published on July 27.

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