In New York, the Ursids are best around 5:39 AM on the night of the peak (December 22, 2026), when the radiant stands about 52° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 8 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:09 PM to 5:43 AM, and the moon will be 96% lit and above the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:39 AM
local time
Est. rate
8/h
dark sky
Radiant
52° high
toward NNE
Moon
96%
up
Dark places to watch the Ursids in New York
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Park | State Park | 2 |
| Wellesley Island State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Dewolf Point State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Kring Point State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Mary Island State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Burnham Point State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Whetstone Gulf State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Southwick Beach State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Pixley Falls State Park | State Park | 3 |
| Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site | State Park | 3 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Ursids in New York?
Around 5:39 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.