In North Carolina, the Orionids are best around 5:58 AM on the night of the peak (October 21, 2026), when the radiant stands about 70° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 19 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 8:13 PM to 6:15 AM, and the moon will be 76% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:58 AM
local time
Est. rate
19/h
dark sky
Radiant
70° high
toward S
Moon
76%
down
Dark places to watch the Orionids 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 Orionids in North Carolina?
Around 5:58 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.