In North Carolina, the Geminids are best around 2:33 AM on the night of the peak (December 14, 2026), when the radiant stands about 87° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 150 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:48 PM to 5:59 AM, and the moon will be 24% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
2:33 AM
local time
Est. rate
150/h
dark sky
Radiant
87° high
toward SSW
Moon
24%
down
Dark places to watch the Geminids in North Carolina
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Lookout National Seashore | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Lookout Point | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Pettigrew State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Bee Tree Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Stone Mountain State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Lumber River State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Singletary Lake State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Lake Waccamaw State Park | State Park | 3 |
| New River State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Mount Jefferson State Natural Area | State Park | 3 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Geminids in North Carolina?
Around 2:33 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.