Stargazing Guide for November & December 2025

As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, the sky above the United States puts on some of the most breathtaking celestial shows of the year. Whether you’re an amateur sky-watcher, a passionate astrophotographer, or simply someone who loves quiet nights under the stars, November and December offer unforgettable moments to explore the universe.

Grab your telescope — or your phone if you’re just starting out — and let’s dive into what you can see in the next two months, where to look, and how to make the most of every stargazing night.

November Highlights

Leonid Meteor Shower – November 17–18

The Leonids are one of the most famous meteor showers, peaking on the night of November 17 through the early hours of November 18. This year, the Moon will be relatively dim, giving you darker skies and excellent viewing conditions.

• Best time: After midnight until dawn
• Where to look: East or southeast, near the Leo constellation
• Tips: Find a dark-sky spot, bring a blanket or chair, and let your eyes adjust for 10–15 minutes

See the Leonids like never before — your smart telescope can track and record every streak across the sky.

Taurid Meteor Showers – Early to Mid-November

The Southern Taurids peak around November 4–5, and the Northern Taurids around November 11–12. Though not as active as the Leonids, they produce bright fireballs that streak slowly across the sky.

Super Beaver Moon – November 5

This “supermoon” appears larger and brighter than usual, creating a perfect opportunity for moon photography.

Photo tip: Use a low ISO and short exposure to capture lunar details without overexposure.

December Highlights

Geminid Meteor Shower – December 13–14

The Geminids are the most reliable and brilliant meteor shower of the year, producing up to 100 meteors per hour at peak. The show peaks on December 13–14 — the perfect holiday-season event for stargazers.

• Best time: After 10 PM until dawn
• Where to look: Toward the Gemini constellation (but visible across the sky)
• Tips: Dress warmly, bring hot drinks, and use your smart telescope’s night-sky capture mode

Don’t just watch the Geminids — photograph them. Your smart telescope makes it effortless.

Ursid Meteor Shower – December 21–22

The Ursids arrive just before Christmas, a smaller but charming shower peaking on December 21–22. Look near the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor) for the radiant point.

The Cold Moon – December 4

The year’s final full moon, the Cold Moon, shines bright in the winter sky — a great night for lunar photography or family stargazing.

Best Stargazing Locations in the U.S.

Head to dark-sky parks or rural areas away from urban light pollution for the best views:

• Joshua Tree National Park, California
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada
• Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
• Big Bend National Park, Texas
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Use DarkSiteFinder.com or light-pollution maps to find nearby dark-sky areas.

Pro Tips for Your Next Stargazing Night

• Check weather forecasts and avoid cloudy nights.
• Arrive early to let your eyes adjust to darkness.
• Use red-light flashlights to preserve night vision.
• Turn on “night mode” on your phone or camera.
• For photography: try 15–30 second exposures for sky shots.
• Enable smart telescope auto-alignment for easy target tracking.