Taurids (Southern & Northern) 2026
Low rates but the highest fireball fraction of any annual shower: the Taurids are why early November is 'fireball season.' Slow, bright, often orange meteors from comet Encke's broad debris stream.
Moon conditions for the 2026 peak
The early-November 2026 peak has minimal moon interference in the evening hours.
How to watch the Taurids (Southern & Northern)
- Quality over quantity: you may see only 5/hr, but Taurid fireballs can outshine Venus.
- Watch for 'swarm years' when Earth crosses a denser filament. 2025 was one; 2032 is next.
Check your sky first:meteors don't care about clouds, but you will. Open your city's page on our live conditions indexfor tonight's hour-by-hour cloud forecast, or find a certified dark-sky site within driving distance: the single biggest upgrade to your meteor count.
Free Taurids (Southern & Northern) peak sky alerts, no app required
One email when aurora conditions align at your location, plus meteor reminder and go-time emails for peaks worth watching. Web alerts cover one US location per email.
Taurids (Southern & Northern) 2026: FAQ
›When do the Taurids (Southern & Northern) peak in 2026?
Nights of November 4–5 and 11–12, 2026. The shower is active September 28 – December 2, so nights within a few days of the peak still produce elevated rates, useful insurance if peak night is cloudy where you are.
›What time should I watch the Taurids (Southern & Northern)?
Midnight. The radiant (Taurus (east)) needs to be above the horizon for you to see meteors, and rates climb as it rises higher.
›How many meteors will I see during the Taurids (Southern & Northern)?
The ideal-condition rate is up to 7/hour. Realistically: from a dark rural site expect a third to a half of that; from the suburbs, far fewer. The early-November 2026 peak has minimal moon interference in the evening hours.
›Where do the Taurids (Southern & Northern) come from?
Comet 2P/Encke. Each year Earth crosses the debris left along its orbit, and those particles hit our atmosphere at 27 km/s, vaporizing as the streaks we call meteors.
›Do I need a telescope for the Taurids (Southern & Northern)?
No. Meteors cross large areas of sky, so unaided eyes with the widest possible view win. Bring a reclining chair, dress warmer than you think you need, and give your eyes 20 minutes to dark-adapt.