Meteor showers in South Africa
Pick a city below for its exact forecast — peak nights in local time, how high each shower's radiant climbs from there, and which shower is best this year.
Don't miss the next peak over South Africa.
Free — one push the evening a shower peaks, and only when the sky is clear.
The next meteor shower over South Africa
The Orionids peaks on the night of October 20 – 21, with the moon at 75%. Numbers below are computed for Johannesburg — South Africa’s reference sky on this site; open your own city for the exact local picture.
This year’s best showers from South Africa
Ranked by how they’ll actually look from South Africa’s latitude this year — radiant height, moonlight and rate all folded in:
Pick your city in South Africa
Quick answers for South Africa
When is the next meteor shower in South Africa?+
The Orionids, peaking the night of October 20 – 21 local time. It rates “Poor” from South Africa’s latitude this year.
Where in South Africa is best for watching?+
Astronomically the whole country sees the same showers — what differs is darkness. Any of the 4 listed cities works as a starting point; the winning move is always the same: from your city, drive 30–60 minutes away from the glow toward an open horizon.
Which showers favour South Africa?+
South Africa watches from the Southern Hemisphere: the Eta Aquariids and Southern Delta Aquariids are the headliners here, riding far higher than they ever do up north, while the Perseids stay low or out of sight.
Never miss a shower again
The app does it for you — a free push alert the evening a shower peaks over your city, and only when the sky is actually clear. Out now on iPhone; the Android version is on its way.