There are nights when the sky over Teide offers something that goes beyond planets and galaxies. Nights when the universe moves. Nights when the stars fall.
Meteor showers are one of the most exciting spectacles you can witness from Teide National Park, and the autumn and winter of 2026 bring two of the year's best: the Leonids in November and the Geminids in December.
If you are planning your visit to Tenerife for this time, this guide explains everything you need to know so you don't miss them.
- What is a meteor shower?
- The 2026 Leonids: November's fast meteor shower
- The 2026 Geminids: the most intense meteor shower of the year
- Why Mount Teide is the best place in Spain to watch meteor showers
- How to prepare for watching meteor showers at Mount Teide
- Can you see the meteor shower on a tour?
- Frequently asked questions about meteor showers at Teide
What is a meteor shower?
A meteor shower occurs when Earth, in its orbit, passes through a cloud of particles left behind by a comet or asteroid. These particles—most the size of a grain of sand—enter the atmosphere at thousands of kilometers per hour and glow intensely due to friction, creating the bright streaks of light we call "shooting stars."
What makes the Leonids and Geminids special is their intensity: under ideal conditions, you can see dozens of meteors per hour with the naked eye, without any equipment. From Mount Teide—free from light pollution and at an altitude of over 2,000 meters—those ideal conditions are the norm.
The 2026 Leonids: November's fast meteor shower
When are the 2026 Leonids?
The peak of the Leonids in 2026 occurs on the night of November 17–18. Activity begins to be noticeable from the 14th and extends until the 21st, but the night of the 17th–18th is when the spectacle reaches its peak.
At what time do they look their best?
The Leonids are most intense in the hours before dawn, between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. The radiant (the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate) is located in the constellation Leo, which is high above the eastern horizon at those times.
How many meteors can be seen?
In a typical year, the Leonids produce between 15 and 20 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. However, the Leonids are famous for their historic meteor storms; in exceptional years, rates have reached hundreds or even thousands of meteors per hour. Forecasts for 2026 point to moderate-to-high activity.
Why are the Leonids special?
They are the fastest meteors of the year, entering the atmosphere at 71 km per second. That extreme speed causes them to leave bright, long-lasting streaks, sometimes with greenish or bluish hues. Some leave a trail visible for several seconds.
They originate from the debris of the comet Tempel-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 33 years.
The 2026 Geminids: the most intense meteor shower of the year
When are the 2026 Geminids?
The peak of the Geminids in 2026 falls on the night of December 13–14. Activity begins on December 4 and extends until the 20th, but the night of the 13th–14th is the highlight.
At what time do they look their best?
The Geminids are exceptional because the radiant—located in the constellation Gemini—reaches a good altitude as early as 10:00 p.m. and remains visible throughout the night. You don't need to stay up until dawn to enjoy them.
The time of peak activity is usually around midnight.
How many meteors can be seen?
The Geminids are the most prolific meteor shower of the year. Under ideal conditions, they can reach up to 120 meteors per hour—two per minute. From Mount Teide, with its dark skies and lack of light pollution, the experience is extraordinary.
Why are the Geminids special?
Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminids do not originate from a comet but from an asteroid: 3200 Phaethon. This makes them unique on the astronomical calendar and a subject of special study by scientists.
Their meteors are slower than those of the Leonids, entering at **35 km per second**, which makes them brighter and easier to see. Many leave yellow, orange, or even red trails.
Why Mount Teide is the best place in Spain to watch meteor showers
Not all locations are the same for watching a meteor shower. You need three conditions: a dark sky, a clear atmosphere, and a wide horizon. Mount Teide offers them all.
Low light pollution: at an altitude of 2,000 meters, far from the lights of coastal cities, the night sky over Mount Teide is among the darkest in Europe. Every meteor is visible with a clarity impossible to achieve from the coast.
More than 300 clear nights a year: Teide National Park boasts one of the highest rates of clear days in all of Europe. The rains of November and December coincide with a period of particularly stable skies.
Starlight Certification: Mount Teide is a Starlight Reserve, an international distinction certifying the exceptional quality of its night sky. It is not marketing; it is science.
Altitude: at over 2,000 meters above sea level, on many nights you are above the sea of clouds. The horizon is expansive, and the atmosphere above you is cleaner and more stable.
How to prepare for watching meteor showers at Mount Teide
Clothing and equipment
In November and December, temperatures on Mount Teide can drop to 0–5°C at night—feeling even colder if it’s windy. Even if you’re coming from the beach where it’s 25°C, you’ll need:
- Thick winter jacket
- Layered clothing: T-shirt + sweater + jacket
- Gloves and hat (essential)
- Comfortable, closed-toe footwear
The moon: your greatest ally or enemy
The moon phase directly affects meteor visibility. A full moon can cut the number of visible meteors in half by illuminating the sky. Check the lunar calendar before choosing the exact night.
For the 2026 Leonids (Nov. 17–18), the Moon will be 53–63% illuminated, which will somewhat reduce the visibility of fainter meteors. Even so, the brightest ones will be perfectly visible.
For the 2026 Geminids (Dec. 13–14), the Moon will be in a young waxing phase with only 18–23% illumination. It will set early, leaving the sky completely dark during the hours of peak activity.
You don't need a telescope.
This is the key difference between meteor showers and planet watching: meteors are best viewed with the naked eye. A telescope actually narrows your field of view and causes you to miss meteors. All you need are your eyes, darkness, and patience.
Where to position yourself on Mount Teide
The Minas de San José parking area—our usual meeting point—is one of the spots within the National Park for observing meteor showers. It offers a wide horizon in all directions and easy access.
From any other accessible viewpoint in the National Park, you can enjoy the night sky and the meteor shower.
Can you see the meteor shower on a tour?
Yes. At Discover Experience, we conduct stargazing tours on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the year, including November and December. On nights coinciding with the peak of the Leonids or Geminids, the tour includes:
- Naked-eye meteor shower viewing with the guide
- Identifying winter night constellations
- Observation of visible planets with professional telescopes
- Live astrophotography session; the photos taken will be sent to you as a free memento.
If you want to experience the Geminids or Leonids from Mount Teide with a Starlight guide and in a small group, check availability in advance—spots for these special nights fill up quickly.
Would you prefer a private experience for the meteor shower? Message us on WhatsApp, and we’ll let you know the best option.
