“Ursid” Last Meteor Shower of 2026: Peaks on Winter Solstice

Brocken Inaglory

The annual Ursid meteor shower always peaks near the time of the December winter solstice.

The low-key Ursid meteor shower is expected to be active from December 17 to December 26, 2026. It typically peaks around the December solstice. In 2026, expect peak viewing in the early morning hours of December 22.

The Ursids usually produce about 5 to 10 meteors per hour during the predawn hours under dark skies. Unfortunately, moonlight will interfere with viewing in 2026, as the Moon will be about 94% full around the peak.

The best time to watch is in the hours before dawn. Find a spot away from city lights and look toward the darkest part of the sky for the best chance of spotting an Ursid.

Ursids

Active Period: December 17 – December 26, 2026
Peak: December 21-22, 2026
Best Viewing: Pre-dawn hours of December 22

Source: American Meteor Society

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