The most popular and highly anticipated meteor shower is back again this summer, and astronomy buffs worldwide are gearing up to watch the spectacle through August. This year’s Perseid meteor shower spans from July 17 to August 24, 2025, with the peak anticipated tonight, Tuesday, August 12th, and in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 13th.
NASA and other sources have said that you can see over 100 meteors per hour during the Perseids’ peak. Other sources have estimated about 40-50 meteors per hour visible to the naked eye, which is still an impressive display.
That said, due to this month’s full moon on August 9th, visibility during the meteor shower peak won’t be as good as it has been in past years. It will be more difficult to spot fainter meteors with moonlight interference.
August is Fogust in the Bay Area, so the notorious marine layer could also impede visibility. You could try getting away from the coast and seeking out a higher elevation to mitigate the fog.
How can I watch the Perseid Meteor Shower in the Bay Area?
Here in NorCal, stargazers are getting ready: Oakland’s Chabot Space & Science Center will host a Perseids watch party on the night of August 12th from 11pm-3am during the peak. General admission tickets cost $15.
If you’re planning to do some stargazing nearby, look for a location that’s free from light pollution. Some popular places to stargaze in the Bay Area include Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland, Henry W. Coe State Park in the South Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and Point Reyes National Seashore. Make sure you double-check opening hours for all local parks, and refer to this light pollution map for further inspiration about where to go.
Choose a cozy spot with a clear, open view and prepare to stay through the early morning hours, allowing time for your eyes to adapt to the dark. To help your night vision adjust more quickly, avoid white lights and don’t check your phone. You won’t need binoculars or a telescope—these light trails are easily seen without any equipment.
What is the Perseid meteor shower?
The Perseid meteor shower, named after the Perseus constellation near its radiant point (where the meteors appear to originate), takes place annually in July and August. Historical records of this event date as far back as 36 AD, with countless observations documented over the centuries. The shower occurs when Earth passes through the debris trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
Many stargazers regard the Perseids as the most spectacular and popular meteor shower of the year, thanks to their frequent appearances and the bright, lingering trails they often leave behind.