Get ready to witness some breathtaking celestial events this year. From dazzling meteor showers to awe-inspiring lunar displays, the night sky above Los Angeles has plenty in store for stargazers.
You probably already know that meteor showers occur when Earth passes through debris fields left by comets or asteroids. As these tiny particles enter the atmosphere, they burn up, creating streaks of light across the sky.
The beauty of meteor showers though, lies in their unpredictability—while forecasts provide a peak rate, every shower holds the potential for surprise bursts of activity.
Don’t miss your best opportunity to see these gorgeous displays with our guide below.
1 – Quadrantids (January 3-4)
Description:
- Peak Night: January 3
- Estimated Rate: Up to 120 meteors per hour
- Best Viewing Time: After midnight to pre-dawn
The Quadrantids are known for their bright meteors and short peaks. In 2025, a nearly full moon will challenge visibility, but bright meteors can still cut through.
While perhaps less famous than the Perseids or Geminids, the Quadrantids can offer a dazzling display of “shooting stars” for those willing to brave the winter chill. Head to Griffith Park or Malibu for darker skies.
Viewing Tip: Focus on the northeastern sky near the constellation Bootes.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @Griffithobservatory
2 – Lyrids (April 21-22)
Description:
- Peak Night: April 21
- Estimated Rate: Up to 20 meteors per hour
- Best Viewing Time: Midnight to pre-dawn
The Lyrids are one of the oldest documented meteor showers, and in 2025, they will benefit from minimal moonlight. Escape the city glow by driving to Topanga State Park or the Santa Monica Mountains.
Viewing Tip: Look for the radiant near the constellation Lyra, which contains the bright star Vega.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Tripadvisor
3 – Eta Aquarids (May 5-6)
Description:
- Peak Night: May 5
- Estimated Rate: Up to 50 meteors per hour
- Best Viewing Time: Early morning before dawn
The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is linked to Halley’s Comet. This beautiful spectacle graces our skies every May, and it’s better visible from the Southern Hemisphere. However, Los Angeles’ early risers can catch a moderate display.
Head to El Matador Beach or Leo Carrillo State Park for a great view.
Viewing Tip: The radiant lies in the southeastern sky near the constellation Aquarius.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Losangelestimes
4 – Perseids (August 11-13)
Description:
- Peak Nights: August 11-12
- Estimated Rate: Up to 100 meteors per hour
- Best Viewing Time: Late night to pre-dawn
The Perseids are a favorite for stargazers worldwide due to their high activity and bright meteors. With a new moon in 2025, conditions will be perfect. Escape to Joshua Tree National Park or Mount Pinos for unparalleled views.
Viewing Tip: Find the radiant near the constellation Perseus in the northeastern sky.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Tourismontheedge
5 – Orionids (October 21-22)
Description:
- Peak Night: October 21
- Estimated Rate: Up to 20 meteors per hour
- Best Viewing Time: After midnight
This is another product of Halley’s Comet! The Orionids are known for their speed, entering Earth’s atmosphere at around 148,000 miles per hour.
While the Orionids feature moderate activity, they are known for producing occasional bright fireballs.
This year, a crescent moon will set early, ensuring dark skies. Try stargazing from Malibu Creek State Park, Joshua Tree National Park or Vasquez Rocks.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @secretlosangeles
6 – Leonids (November 17-18)
Description:
- Peak Night: November 17
- Estimated Rate: Up to 15 meteors per hour
- Best Viewing Time: After midnight
While not a storm year, the Leonids will still produce a modest show in 2025. Their radiant rises late, so plan to stay out after midnight. The Angeles National Forest offers a great spot close to LA.
Viewing Tip: Look for the radiant in the eastern sky near the constellation Leo.
Location: varioius
PIC Credit: @space.com
7 – Geminids (December 13-14)
Description:
- Peak Night: December 13
- Estimated Rate: Up to 150 meteors per hour
- Best Viewing Time: Late night to pre-dawn
The Geminids are widely regarded as the best meteor shower of the year. With a crescent moon in 2025, the sky will be dark enough for an incredible show.
Drive to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve or Big Bear Lake for a magical experience.
Viewing Tip: Focus on the radiant near the constellation Gemini, particularly the stars Castor and Pollux.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @Forbes
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!