Where to watch the 2026 Ursid Meteor Shower near Whistler
A 98% lit moon will wash out the fainter meteors of Ursid Meteor Shower.
The short answer
Ursid Meteor Shower peaks on Tuesday, December 22 near Whistler. Expect about 0 hours of moon-free darkness, with astronomical twilight ending at 6:12 PM and returning at 6:09 AM. The moon is 99 percent lit, so moonlight will wash out fainter meteors. At 12:10 AM the radiant sits 40 degrees up in the north-northeast. Under ideal dark skies the shower can produce up to 10 meteors an hour. 2 nearby spots have properly dark skies.
| Peak (local) | Tuesday, December 22 at 2:54 PM PDT |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 5:12 PM |
| Fully dark | 7:12 PM to 7:09 AM |
| Dark hours | 0.0 h |
| Moon | 99% lit · rises 4:34 PM, sets 9:20 AM |
Questions people ask
When is the best time to watch the Ursid Meteor Shower near Whistler?
The Ursid Meteor Shower peaks on Tuesday, December 22 at 1:54 PM. However, the best time to observe will be after sunset at 4:12 PM, with the sky fully dark from 6:12 PM until 6:09 AM.
Where should I go to watch the Ursid Meteor Shower?
For the best viewing experience, consider heading to darker areas like Callaghan Valley or Brandywine Falls. These spots have lower light pollution and are ideal for stargazing.
What is the moon situation during the Ursid Meteor Shower?
The moon will be 99 percent lit during the Ursid Meteor Shower, which means it will significantly wash out fainter meteors. Unfortunately, there are no hours of moon-free darkness for this event.
Which direction should I look to see the meteors?
To catch the Ursid meteors, look towards the north-northeast at around 12:10 AM when the radiant point is at an altitude of 40 degrees. This is where most of the meteors will appear to originate.
What should I bring or expect when watching the meteor shower?
Bring warm clothing, a blanket or reclining chair, and perhaps some snacks to enjoy while you watch. Expect to see about 10 meteors per hour under ideal conditions, but be aware that the bright moonlight may make fainter meteors hard to see.
