In South Carolina, the Orionids are best around 5:53 AM on the night of the peak (October 21, 2026), when the radiant stands about 72° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 19 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 8:08 PM to 6:10 AM, and the moon will be 76% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:53 AM
local time
Est. rate
19/h
dark sky
Radiant
72° high
toward S
Moon
76%
down
Dark places to watch the Orionids in South Carolina
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers Bridge State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Colleton State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Edisto Beach State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Woods Bay State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Devils Fork State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Oconee State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Poinsett State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Hunting Island State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Aiken State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Lake Hartwell State Park | State Park | 3 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Orionids in South Carolina?
Around 5:53 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.