In South Dakota, the Leonids are best around 5:08 AM on the night of the peak (November 17, 2026), when the radiant stands about 64° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 13 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:08 PM to 5:11 AM, and the moon will be 51% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:08 AM
local time
Est. rate
13/h
dark sky
Radiant
64° high
toward SE
Moon
51%
down
Dark places to watch the Leonids in South Dakota
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Hunters Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Badlands Wilderness Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Big Badlands Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Bigfoot Pass Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Burns Basin Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Conata Basin Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Lookout Point | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Rousseau Recreation and Overlook Area | Scenic Viewpoint | 2 |
| Custer State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Oakwood Lakes State Park | State Park | 2 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Leonids in South Dakota?
Around 5:08 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.
Where can I see the Leonids in South Dakota?
Dark, open places such as Ancient Hunters Overlook, Badlands Wilderness Overlook, Big Badlands Overlook.