The Geminids consistently deliver 120+ multicolored meteors per hour—more than any other annual shower. In 2026, a waxing crescent moon sets early, leaving dark skies for an excellent display.
2026 Geminids Quick Facts
Peak Night
December 13-14, 2026 (Sunday-Monday)
Active Period
December 7 – December 17, 2026
Expected Rate
120-150 meteors/hour at peak
Moon Phase
Waxing Crescent (sets early evening)
Viewing Conditions
EXCELLENT
Radiant
Constellation Gemini (near star Castor)
Meteor Speed
35 km/s (78,000 mph) – relatively slow
Parent Body
Asteroid 3200 Phaethon
What Makes the Geminids Special
1. Highest Meteor Rates
The Geminids produce more meteors per hour than any other annual shower. While the Perseids get more attention (thanks to summer weather), the Geminids consistently outperform them with 120+ meteors/hour versus 60-100.
2. Multicolored Meteors
Geminid meteors are famous for their variety of colors:
White: Most common
Yellow: Sodium in the meteoroid
Green: Magnesium
Red: Atmospheric nitrogen at high altitude
Blue: Rare, from very fast particles
This rainbow of colors makes the Geminids particularly photogenic!
3. Slower Speed = Easier to See
At 35 km/s, Geminid meteors are slower than most showers. This means:
Meteors appear to "hang" in the sky longer
Easier to spot and track with your eyes
Better for photography (longer exposure time)
More time to make a wish!
4. Visible All Night
Unlike some showers that peak in pre-dawn hours, the Geminids are active from 9-10 PM until dawn. The radiant rises early evening and climbs high overhead by midnight.
5. Unique Asteroid Origin
Most meteor showers come from comets, but the Geminids originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon—a "rock comet" that may be a dead comet nucleus. This unusual origin contributes to the shower's dense, rocky meteoroids.
The best viewing is the night of Sunday, December 13 into the early morning of Monday, December 14.
2026 Moon Advantage
The waxing crescent moon (about 15% illuminated) sets in the early evening, leaving dark skies from about 8-9 PM onward. This is excellent news for Geminid watchers!
Hourly Breakdown
9-10 PM: Radiant rising; 30-50 meteors/hour
10 PM - Midnight: Good activity (50-80 meteors/hour)
2 AM - 4 AM: Excellent rates continue (80-100 meteors/hour)
4 AM - Dawn: Rates decrease as radiant moves west
Alternative Nights
The Geminids have a broad peak, so nearby nights still offer good rates:
December 12-13: 60-70% of peak rate
December 14-15: 60-70% of peak rate
December 11-12 or 15-16: 30-40% of peak rate
Where to Look
Finding Gemini
The radiant is in the constellation Gemini, near the bright star Castor. To find it:
Look for Orion (the hunter with three belt stars)
Gemini is to the upper left of Orion
Find the two bright stars Castor and Pollux (the "twins")
The radiant is near Castor
Viewing Strategy
Don't stare at the radiant—meteors near the radiant have short trails
Look 45-60° away from Gemini for longer meteor trails
Face south or southeast with Gemini in your peripheral vision
Scan the entire sky—meteors can appear anywhere
Radiant Position Through the Night
9 PM: Low in the east-northeast
Midnight: High in the east
2 AM: Nearly overhead (best position!)
4 AM: High in the west
Surviving December Cold
The biggest challenge with the Geminids is cold weather. December nights can be brutal, but proper preparation makes all the difference.
Essential Cold-Weather Gear
Base layer: Moisture-wicking thermal underwear
Mid layer: Fleece or down insulation
Outer layer: Windproof, insulated jacket and pants
Head: Warm hat covering ears, balaclava for extreme cold
Hands: Insulated gloves + hand warmers
Feet: Insulated boots, wool socks, toe warmers
Ground insulation: Foam pad or sleeping bag under you
Pro Tips for Staying Warm
Dress warmer than you think—you'll be lying still for hours
Use a sleeping bag on a reclining chair or ground pad
Bring a thermos with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea
Take breaks in a warm car if needed
Avoid sweating—moisture makes you cold faster
Keep spare batteries warm in your pocket (cold drains them)
Indoor Alternatives
If the cold is too much:
Watch from inside a heated car with windows down
Find a heated observatory or planetarium event
Set up near a building where you can warm up periodically
Best Viewing Locations
North America
Death Valley, CA – Dark skies, mild December weather
Big Bend National Park, TX – Excellent dark sky preserve
Cherry Springs State Park, PA – East Coast's darkest skies
Natural Bridges, UT – First International Dark Sky Park
Mauna Kea, Hawaii – World-class observing, mild temps
Europe
La Palma, Canary Islands – Warm December, dark skies
Tenerife, Canary Islands – Teide Observatory area
Alqueva, Portugal – Dark Sky Reserve
Scottish Highlands – Remote, dark locations
Southern Hemisphere
Good news for southern observers: The Geminids are visible from the Southern Hemisphere, though rates are lower (30-50/hour) due to the radiant's position. December is summer, so weather is pleasant!
New Zealand – Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
Australia – Outback locations, Warrumbungle
Chile – Atacama Desert
Photography Guide
Camera Settings for Geminids
Mode: Manual (M)
ISO: 1600-3200
Aperture: f/2.8 or wider
Shutter Speed: 20-30 seconds (Geminids are slow, so longer exposures work)
Focus: Manual, infinity
White Balance: 4000-4500K or Daylight
Cold Weather Camera Tips
Keep batteries warm in your pocket; rotate them
Use lens warmers to prevent frost/dew
Let camera acclimate before bringing inside (condensation risk)
Use a remote shutter so you don't touch the cold camera
Bring hand warmers to attach to lens hood
Composition Ideas
Include Orion in the frame (recognizable constellation)
Add winter landscapes: snow, bare trees, frozen lakes
Frame with holiday lights in the foreground (creative contrast)
Capture star trails + meteors with very long exposures
The Geminids peak on the night of December 13-14, 2026. The shower is active December 7-17.
How many meteors will I see?
Under ideal dark sky conditions, expect 120-150 meteors per hour at peak. From suburban areas, 40-60 per hour is realistic.
Why are the Geminids better than the Perseids?
The Geminids produce nearly twice as many meteors (120 vs 60-100/hour), feature more colors, and have slower meteors that are easier to see. The only downside is cold December weather.
What time should I start watching?
You can start as early as 9-10 PM when the radiant rises. Peak rates occur around midnight to 2 AM.
Can I see Geminids from the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes! Rates are lower (30-50/hour) but still worthwhile. Plus, December is summer in the south, so weather is pleasant.
What's the best direction to face?
Face south or southeast with Gemini in your peripheral vision. Look about 45-60° above the horizon.
Plan Your Geminid Adventure
Make 2026's Geminids unforgettable with a stargazing trip or guided tour.