Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice, changing leaves, and cozy campfires—it’s also one of the most underrated times of year for meteor showers. While summer’s Perseids tend to steal the spotlight, the autumn skies hold several meteor events that offer unique visuals, quieter skies, and longer nights for serious stargazing.
From fireballs streaking through Orion to surprise outbursts from ancient comet trails, here’s your full guide to the best meteor showers between September and November.
🗓️ Fall 2025 Meteor Shower Calendar
Shower
Peak Dates
ZHR (Meteors per Hour)
Moon Conditions (2025)
Draconids
Oct 8–9
~10 (but can storm)
Nearly full moon (strong interference)
Orionids
Oct 21–22
15–30
Waning crescent (excellent conditions)
South Taurids
Nov 4–5
5–10
Waning crescent (great conditions)
North Taurids
Nov 11–12
5–10
Nearly new moon (ideal)
Leonids
Nov 17–18
10–15
Full moon (challenging visibility)
These showers span the season and offer something for everyone—from casual observers to dedicated astrophotographers.
🐉 Draconids (October 8–9)
Radiant: Draco (located near the Big Dipper)
Meteor Speed: Slow
What to Expect: A short, sharp peak often just after sunset. Though usually a minor shower, the Draconids are famous for occasional surprise meteor storms with intense outbursts.
Best For: Those in northern latitudes with clear western skies.
🧭 Tip: Unlike most showers, this one’s best before midnight, making it a great early-evening show for families and beginners.
🌠 Orionids (October 21–22)
Radiant: Orion (rises late evening in the east)
Meteor Speed: Very fast (67 km/s)
Debris Source:Halley’s Comet
What to Expect: A reliable, medium-intensity shower with fast, long-tailed meteors. Many leave persistent trains that linger for seconds.
Why It’s Special: Its link to Halley’s Comet and favorable moon conditions in 2025 make it arguably the best fall shower this year.
Viewing Tip: Peak viewing is after midnight, when Orion climbs higher in the sky.
🐂 The Taurids (South Taurids: Nov 4–5 / North Taurids: Nov 11–12)
Radiant: Taurus (visible after midnight)
Meteor Speed: Slow and graceful
What to Expect: A sparse but dramatic display of bright fireballs and occasional bolides (exploding meteors). While not dense, their large size and slowness make them incredibly photogenic.
Unique Features: The Taurids are known for producing smoke trails, double flashes, and unusual light curves.
Best For: Astrophotographers, patient observers, and those looking for high-quality visuals rather than sheer quantity.
🎯 Bonus: The Taurids align beautifully with autumn landscapes and are great for meteor shots with barns, forests, or rural backdrops.
🦁 Leonids (November 17–18)
Radiant: Leo (rises around midnight)
Meteor Speed: Fast
Debris Source:Comet Tempel-Tuttle
What to Expect: Though best known for dramatic storms in the 1800s and early 2000s, recent Leonid activity is modest. Expect up to 15 meteors/hour under dark skies.
Challenge in 2025: A full moon will reduce visibility, washing out many fainter meteors.
Viewing Tip: Focus on the early morning hours when Leo is highest and the moon is lower.
🔭 Gear and Tips for Fall Meteor Viewing
Dress in layers—fall nights can be deceptively cold, especially in open areas.
Bring a reclining chair, sleeping bag, or camp mat for comfort.
Use a red-light flashlight to maintain night vision.
Let your eyes adjust for 20–30 minutes before expecting peak visuals.
Apps like SkySafari, Stellarium, or Sky Guide help locate radiants and track forecasts.
🌡️ Bonus: Warm drinks in a thermos and hand warmers can go a long way toward making your viewing experience enjoyable.
🍁 Why Fall Meteor Showers Deserve More Attention
More darkness, fewer bugs: With longer nights and no summer insects, fall observing is more comfortable.
Lower crowds: These lesser-known showers offer serenity without the Perseid hype.
Photographic appeal: Fireballs + fall color = incredible skywatching content.
Special viewing windows: Some showers peak earlier or later than usual, providing flexibility.
So pack a blanket, grab your star app, and don’t miss these autumnal sparks in the sky.