In Wisconsin, the Orionids are best around 5:13 AM on the night of the peak (October 21, 2026), when the radiant stands about 61° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 17 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 7:43 PM to 5:43 AM, and the moon will be 76% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:13 AM
local time
Est. rate
17/h
dark sky
Radiant
61° high
toward S
Moon
76%
down
Dark places to watch the Orionids in Wisconsin
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Newport State Park | Dark Sky Place | 2 |
| Rock Island State Park | State Park | 1 |
| Copper Falls State Park | State Park | 1 |
| Big Bay State Park | State Park | 1 |
| Governor Thompson State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Peninsula State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Brunet Island State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Buckhorn State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Whitefish Dunes State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Roche-a-Cri State Park | State Park | 2 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Orionids in Wisconsin?
Around 5:13 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.