In New York, the Leonids are best around 5:13 AM on the night of the peak (November 17, 2026), when the radiant stands about 65° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 14 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:13 PM to 5:14 AM, and the moon will be 50% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:13 AM
local time
Est. rate
14/h
dark sky
Radiant
65° high
toward SE
Moon
50%
down
Dark places to watch the Leonids in New York
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Park | State Park | 2 |
| Wellesley Island State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Dewolf Point State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Kring Point State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Mary Island State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Burnham Point State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Whetstone Gulf State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Southwick Beach State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Pixley Falls State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site | State Park | 3 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Leonids in New York?
Around 5:13 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.