In South Carolina, the Ursids are best around 5:49 AM on the night of the peak (December 22, 2026), when the radiant stands about 43° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 7 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 6:49 PM to 5:57 AM, and the moon will be 96% lit and above the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:49 AM
local time
Est. rate
7/h
dark sky
Radiant
43° high
toward NNE
Moon
96%
up
Dark places to watch the Ursids 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 Ursids in South Carolina?
Around 5:49 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.