The Perseid meteor shower happens every year when Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet.
When is the Perseid meteor shower peak?
These tiny bits of space rock burn up in our atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light across the night sky.
This year, the Perseid meteor shower peak will happen in the early hours between 12 and 13 August 2025, when up to 100 meteors per hour may be visible in dark, clear skies.
The best viewing time will be after midnight and before dawn, when the sky is at its darkest and the radiant — the point where the meteors appear to come from — is high in the sky.
How to see the Perseids in South Africa
You do not need any special equipment like telescopes or binoculars to enjoy the Perseids.
Simply find a dark, open area away from city lights, give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness, and look up.
The meteors will appear to come from the constellation Perseus, which rises in the northeast. However, you don’t have to stare at Perseus to see them — the shooting stars can streak across any part of the sky.
While the moon will be in a waning gibbous phase this year, its light may slightly reduce visibility of the faintest meteors, but the brightest ones should still be clearly visible.
What the Perseid meteor shower peak means astrologically
In astrology, meteor showers are often seen as times of change, inspiration, and fresh starts.
The Perseid meteor shower peak is linked with the constellation Perseus, but its timing in mid-August means it occurs during Leo season.
Astrologers say the zodiac signs most likely to feel this energy strongly are:
- Leo – increased confidence and bold new ideas.
- Sagittarius – a push towards travel or learning something new.
- Aquarius – fresh perspectives on personal goals and relationships.
- Aries – bursts of motivation to start long-delayed projects.
Even if you don’t follow astrology, it can still be a moment to reflect on your goals while enjoying a beautiful natural display.
Although the Perseids are at their best on 12–13 August, the shower will continue for several days before and after the peak, with fewer meteors visible each night.