Chasing the Perseids: Best Spots for the 2025 Meteor Shower

The Perseid meteor shower is like the universe throwing a party, and in August 2025, it’s gonna be a banger. Peaking around August 11-13, you could see up to 100 meteors per hour zipping across the sky—bright streaks that’ll have you gasping. But to catch this cosmic show, you need dark skies, clear weather, and a bit of know-how. We’ve rounded up five killer spots to watch the Perseids in 2025, from the Canary Islands to remote corners of the U.S., with tips on getting there, what to bring, and how to snap that perfect meteor pic. Let’s dive in, even if my spelling’s a bit wonky from all this starry excitement.

Why the Perseids Are Worth Chasing

The Perseids happen when Earth plows through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Those tiny bits burn up in our atmosphere, creating those dazzling streaks. In 2025, the peak nights (August 11-13) are luckily free from a bright moon, which means the fainter meteors will pop. You don’t need a telescope—just a dark spot, a comfy chair, and maybe some coffee to stay up past midnight when the show’s best.

1. Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands – Volcanic Skies

Tenerife’s Teide National Park is a stargazer’s dream, with its high-altitude volcanic landscape and some of the clearest skies in Europe. At over 2,000 meters, you’re above the clouds, and the island’s strict light pollution rules keep the stars shining bright. The Perseids look unreal here, streaking over Mount Teide’s otherworldly terrain.

Why Go? You get epic meteor views plus a chance to explore lava fields and cable cars by day. The warm August nights are a bonus.
Getting There: Fly to Tenerife South Airport, then rent a car or join a stargazing tour to Teide (about an hour’s drive). Public buses exist but are slow.
Where to Stay: Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide is right in the park with killer views, or try budget hotels in Puerto de la Cruz. Book early—August is busy.
Pro Tip: Bring a blanket and snacks; it’s chilly up high. Guided tours with telescopes are great, but you can also just sprawl on a mat and watch. For photos, use a tripod and a 10-second exposure to catch those streaks.

2. Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA – Desert Vibes

Joshua Tree is a desert wonderland where twisted trees and massive boulders frame a sky bursting with Perseids. It’s a Dark Sky Park, so light pollution’s low, and the dry August weather means clear views most nights. It’s a favorite for West Coast stargazers who want a quick getaway.

Why Go? The open desert gives you 360-degree sky views, and the vibe’s chill—think campfires and cosmic awe.
Getting There: Fly to Palm Springs (1 hour away) or drive 2-3 hours from LA. Park entry’s easy, but have cash for the fee if you’re driving.
Where to Stay: Camp at Black Rock Campground for prime stargazing spots, or grab an Airbnb in Joshua Tree town. Hotels in Palm Springs work if you want luxury.
Pro Tip: Face northeast toward Perseus (the shower’s radiant) after midnight. Bring a reclining chair and bug spray—desert critters are real. For pics, a wide-angle lens and 15-second exposures work best.

3. Exmoor National Park, England – Cozy UK Skies

Exmoor’s rolling moors and tiny villages make it a gem for UK stargazers. It’s got Dark Sky Reserve status, and the Perseids put on a cracking show here. The open landscapes mean you can find a quiet spot to watch meteors rain down, with the bonus of charming pubs nearby.

Why Go? It’s super close for Europeans, and the community vibe—think local star parties—is welcoming for newbies.
Getting There: Drive from Bristol (1.5 hours) or take a train to Taunton and a bus to the park. A car’s best for finding secluded spots.
Where to Stay: Try The Exmoor White Horse Inn for cozy rooms or camp at Westermill Farm. Both are great bases for night sky adventures.
Pro Tip: August weather can be iffy, so check forecasts and aim for the peak nights. Bring a thermos of tea and a red flashlight to avoid ruining your night vision. Phone cameras struggle, but a DSLR with a 20-second exposure can nab meteors.

4. Wadi Rum, Jordan – Bedouin Nights Under Meteors

Wadi Rum’s vast desert, with its red sands and towering rock formations, feels like Mars—and the Perseids make it even more unreal. This UNESCO site has minimal light pollution, and the clear August skies are perfect for meteor spotting. Bedouin camps add a cultural twist to your stargazing.

Why Go? You’ll see meteors against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, plus you can sip tea with Bedouin hosts who know the stars like old friends.
Getting There: Fly to Amman, then drive or take a bus to Wadi Rum (4 hours). Most visitors join guided tours from the visitor center.
Where to Stay: Bedouin camps like Sun City Camp offer tents or bubble domes with open-sky views. Budget travelers can try basic campsites. Book ahead for peak season.
Pro Tip: Stay up past 1 a.m. for the best show. Bring a warm jacket—desert nights are cold. For photos, use a tripod and long exposures (15-30 seconds) to capture the streaks.

5. Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada – Wilderness and Stars

Algonquin’s dense forests and serene lakes make it a stargazing hotspot in Ontario, far from city lights. The Perseids light up the northern skies here, and the park’s remoteness ensures a dark, crisp view. It’s perfect for adventurers who want to paddle by day and stargaze by night.

Why Go? The northern latitude means a great angle on the Perseid radiant, and you might catch auroras too. Plus, the wilderness vibe is unbeatable.
Getting There: Drive 3 hours from Toronto or 4 from Ottawa. No public transport, so a car’s a must. Park passes are needed, so buy online.
Where to Stay: Camp at Pog Lake Campground for open sky views, or book a cabin at Killarney Lodge for comfort. Both need early reservations.
Pro Tip: Canoe to a lake’s center for unobstructed views—just watch for moose! Bring a star chart to spot Perseus. For photos, a 10-20 second exposure with a wide lens works, but practice on steady shots first.

Practical Tips for Perseid Success

Timing: The shower peaks August 11-13, 2025, but you can see meteors a few days before and after. Start watching after 11 p.m., with the best action past midnight.

Gear: Pack a reclining chair, blankets, snacks, and warm clothes. A red flashlight saves your night vision. For photos, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a tripod and 10-30 second exposures is key—phone cameras usually disappoint.

Weather: Check forecasts on CSPN’s calendar or apps like Clear Outside. Cloud cover’s the enemy, so have backup dates.

Etiquette: Keep lights low (no white flashlights!) and respect quiet zones, especially in parks or reserves.

The Perseids are a bucket-list spectacle, and these spots—whether you’re hiking in Tenerife or camping in Wadi Rum—offer front-row seats. Use CSPN’s interactive map to find exact viewing points, and check our 2025 meteor calendar for updates. Got a fave Perseid spot or a killer meteor photo? Share it with the Cosmic Star Path Network crew! Let’s chase those shooting stars together.