Northern California Set for Double Meteor Shower Spectacle in December

December is shaping up to be a spectacular month for skywatchers in Northern California. Alongside the upcoming Cold Moon supermoon, two meteor showers — the Geminids and the Ursids — will put on celestial displays across the region.

Geminid Meteor Shower: December 12–13

The Geminids are widely considered the best meteor shower of the year, producing as many as 100 to 150 meteors per hour under dark skies. Even better, they’re visible all night long, with peak activity occurring after midnight.

Weather is the biggest wildcard, as early winter often brings clouds and chilly evenings. But with California’s mix of clear inland valleys, high Sierra elevations, and dry desert skies, Northern Californians have a solid shot at catching the show.

Ursid Meteor Shower: December 21–22

If the Geminids get clouded out, the Ursids offer one final chance to spot shooting stars before the year ends. Peaking on December 21–22 — the first night of astronomical winter — the Ursids are more subtle, producing around 10 meteors per hour.

While not as dramatic, they’re still worth stepping outside for, especially in dark-sky areas like Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Eastern Sierra, or far Northern California’s remote foothills.

Where to Watch

California’s natural geography makes it one of the best states for winter stargazing. Wide-open desert basins, high-elevation viewpoints in the Sierra Nevada, dark-sky parks, and coastal horizons all offer prime viewing conditions. For the best experience, choose a spot far from city lights, dress warmly, and let your eyes adjust for at least 20 minutes.

With two meteor showers and the final supermoon of 2025, December is a perfect month to look up.