How to See the 2024 Perseid Meteor Shower in August

And under optimal weather conditions — especially in the pre-dawn hours when the sky is darkest — observers will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of these “shooting stars” if they know where to look.

Keep reading for what to know about seeing the Perseid meteor shower this year.

When to see the Perseid meteor shower in the Bay Area

The best time to view the Perseids is during the peak nights, which in 2024 are:

• Sunday, Aug. 11
• Monday, Aug. 12
• Tuesday, Aug. 13

As for timing, meteors are most visible between midnight, after the moon sets, and dawn.

Where to see the Perseids in the Bay Area 

For meteor spotting, you want to choose a dark location away from city lights.

Here are a few popular dark locations for watching meteor showers in the Bay Area:

• Henry Coe State Park, South Bay
• Tilden Park, East Bay
• Sunol Regional Wilderness, East Bay
• Mount Diablo, East Bay
• Skyline Boulevard, Peninsula
• Montara Beach, Peninsula
• Pescadero, Peninsula
• Point Reyes National Seashore, North Bay
• Bodega Bay, North Bay

In the North Bay, you can find miles of darkened rural skies from the coast eastward. But note that fog in coastal areas might disrupt your views of the dark night sky.

State parks, national forests, and rural areas are also ideal for night sky watching. And if you’re looking to go beyond the Bay Area, popular spots in California include Pinnacles National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Read our tips for finding a last-minute camping reservation near the Bay Area.