In New Hampshire, the Orionids are best around 5:02 AM on the night of the peak (October 21, 2026), when the radiant stands about 62° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 18 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 7:32 PM to 5:32 AM, and the moon will be 76% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:02 AM
local time
Est. rate
18/h
dark sky
Radiant
62° high
toward S
Moon
76%
down
Dark places to watch the Orionids in New Hampshire
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Dixville Notch State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Coleman State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Mollidgewock State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Umbagog Lake State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Mount Washington State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Franconia Notch State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Echo Lake-Cathedral Ledge State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Crawford Notch State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Hancock Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 3 |
| Jackman Brook Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | 3 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Orionids in New Hampshire?
Around 5:02 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.