Viewing advice
Northern hemisphere only in practice. The radiant is in Ursa Minor at roughly 76 degrees north, so it never rises at all from the southern hemisphere.
The best time to see Ursid Meteor Shower in 2026 is December 21-22, 2026. Timing status: Predicted dates.
A low-key shower to close out the year.
The Ursids are a modest solstice-season shower radiating near the Little Dipper. Rates are low, but a dark, moonless night can still turn up a steady trickle before dawn.
Moon at the peak: waxing gibbous, 96% lit (poor). A near-full moon floods the sky, so only the brightest meteors will show. Better in a darker-moon year.
Why it happens
Where to view it
Best seen far from city lights. Tap a spot to plan a trip around it.
In season during December 21-22, 2026
Natural events whose season is on while this peaks, so one trip could catch both the sky and the ground.
Next time: Ursid Meteor Shower, December 21-22, 2027
Related cosmic events
More sky events connected by phenomenon, region, or travel window.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ursid Meteor Shower 2026?
Ursid Meteor Shower 2026: December 21-22, 2026.
When is Ursid Meteor Shower 2027?
Ursid Meteor Shower 2027: December 21-22, 2027.