If you loved the Orionids earlier this fall, get ready for the Leonid meteor shower! The Leonids run November 7-30 but they peak around November 17–18, offering one of the most exciting sky shows of the late autumn season.
Known for their bright, fast streaks and occasional golden trails, the Leonids are a must-see for campers, stargazers, and anyone who enjoys the magic of a crisp November night outdoors.
Why the Leonids Are Special
The Leonids originate from debris left behind by Comet Tempel-Tuttle, which swings through the inner solar system roughly every 33 years. As Earth passes through its dusty trail each November, allowing tiny particles to hit our atmosphere at speeds of up to 44 miles per second.
Under typical conditions, you can expect 10–20 meteors per hour during the peak. Some years produce far higher rates (called “meteor storms”). But even in quieter years, the Leonids impress with their signature brightness and speed.
How to Watch the Leonids Like a Pro
Whether you’re deep in the mountains or in your own backyard, here’s how to get the best view:
1. Head somewhere dark
Light pollution washes out faint meteors, so look for a dark location away from city lights. National forests, campgrounds, and designated Dark Sky Places make for ideal viewing spots. For folks in our home state of Colorado, check out DarkSky Colorado’s handy list of certified dark sky places you can visit. Sky View Tents is a proud supporter of the dark sky movement through our partnership with DarkSky Colorado. (If you’d like to support them too, please pay a visit to their donation page!)
2. Go out after midnight
The Leonids typically put on their best show after midnight, when the radiant point in the constellation Leo climbs higher in the sky. No need to stare directly at Leo – meteors will appear across the entire sky.
3. Let your eyes adjust
It takes about 20–30 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to darkness. Put your phone away as even a quick text will blind your eyes to the amazing show overhead for a while.
4. Get cozy for the show
Bring warm layers, a sleeping bag, and even a reclining chair. Want to make a night of it? Lie back inside a Sky View stargazing tent and enjoy the night through our crystal-clear stargazing mesh roof.
The Perfect November Camping Opportunity
November’s longer nights, crisp air, and low humidity make it one of the best months for meteor-watching. It's also an ideal time to savor nature before winter sets in. The Leonids give campers a spectacular reason to head outside, breathe in the mountain air, and reconnect with the quiet beauty of dark skies.
Stargazing Camping in Comfort With Sky View Tents
Sky View Tents were designed for moments exactly like this. Trust us, when the sky puts on a show like the Leonids, you want an unobstructed front-row seat. Our ultra-clear mesh roof lets you take in every fast-flying Leonid, and our patent-pending interior-deploy rainfly keeps you protected if the weather turns.
If you're planning a November adventure, make sure your tent is worthy of the sky you’ll be sleeping under.
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