The Geminid meteor shower peaks the night of Sunday, December 13 to Monday, December 14, 2026. It is usually the strongest meteor shower of the year, and this year a thin crescent moon sets around 10 PM, leaving the rest of the night dark for watching from Scott Valley.
When do the Geminids peak in 2026?
The American Meteor Society lists the peak for the night of December 13 to 14, with the moon only about 21 percent lit. Unlike most showers, the Geminids get going before midnight: good activity begins around 10 PM, once the constellation Gemini is well up in the east. Under truly dark skies, the AMS gives a peak rate of up to about 150 meteors an hour. Real-world counts are lower, but a clear, dark night can still bring dozens an hour.
Sunset in Etna is about 4:42 PM. The best window runs from about 10 PM until the small hours, with rates highest after midnight.
Where should you watch from?
Watch from where you're staying. Please don't drive to remote spots at night to chase meteors. In mid-December the back roads can ice over after dark, deer are on the move, and the sky right above you is the same sky.
At Blossom, the lawn and the walled garden are the places to be. Turn off the indoor lights, step outside and give your eyes time.
What should you know before you go out?
Dress for deep cold. December nights in Scott Valley are often well below freezing. Wear a hat, gloves, warm boots and every layer you brought, and take blankets or a sleeping bag outside.
Give your eyes 20 minutes. Keep your phone in your pocket, or switch it to a red screen.
Look wide, not at the radiant. Geminids can appear anywhere. Lie back and take in the whole sky.
Take breaks. Come inside to warm up and go back out. The shower runs for hours.
Kids: the 10 PM start makes this the most kid-friendly major shower of the year. Bundle them up for an hour on the lawn before bed.
If it's cloudy: the nights just before and after the peak still bring good rates.
Stay for the sky
Find more winter events on our full events calendar.
Blossom Sanctuary is a private retreat house in Etna for up to four adults or a family of up to six, solo travelers and couples especially, with a wood stove to come back to between rounds on the lawn. See open dates and prices.
