In North Carolina, the Leonids are best around 5:35 AM on the night of the peak (November 17, 2026), when the radiant stands about 69° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 14 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:50 PM to 5:38 AM, and the moon will be 51% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:35 AM
local time
Est. rate
14/h
dark sky
Radiant
69° high
toward SE
Moon
51%
down
Dark places to watch the Leonids 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 Leonids in North Carolina?
Around 5:35 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.