by Here’s your comprehensive guide to July 2025 meteor showers over San Diego County—including key towns, peak times, and backup “rain‑date” windows:
Southern Delta Aquariids
- Active: July 18 – August 12
- Peak: Night of July 29–30, around 21 UTC (~2 p.m. PDT); moon ~27% full
- Expected Rate: ~15–20 meteors/hour under dark skies
- Best Viewing: Late evening through dawn, radiant in Aquarius — look south to southeast low on horizon
- Ideal San Diego Locations:
- Anza-Borrego Desert: Minimal light pollution
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park: High elevation, dark skies
- Campo or Pine Valley: Quiet, clear southern horizons
- Rain-Date: July 30 – August 2 (cloud cover likely late July)
Alpha Capricornids
- Active: July 12 – August 12
- Peak: July 29–30 (plateau rather than sharp peak)
- Expected Rate: ~5 meteors/hour, but with occasional bright fireballs
- Best Viewing: Pre‑dawn (~1 a.m. PDT); radiant in Capricornus — watch south/southeast
- Ideal Locations: Pair this with Southern Delta viewing; same viewing sites apply
- Rain-Date: July 31 – August 2
Pegasids (July Pegasids)
- Active: July 4 – August 8
- Peak: Near July 11, but activity remains low (~3 meteors/hour)
- Best Viewing: After midnight; radiant near Pegasus toward the east–northeast
- Ideal Locations: East-facing hillsides like Cuyamaca or Palomar Mountain
- Rain-Date: July 10–13
Early Perseids
- Active: July 17 – September 1
- Visible: Noticeable activity begins in late July, though peak is in August
- Best Viewing: Pre‑dawn; radiant in Perseus toward northeast
- Ideal Locations:
- Palomar Observatory area: Elevation helps visibility
- Anza-Borrego backcountry: Minimal light interference
- Rain-Date: July 25–29—ideal moon-free window
Moon Phases (PDT, San Diego)
- July 10: Full “Buck Moon” — bright skies, avoid peak nights
- July 17: New Moon — excellent darkness for show
- July 24: Another New Moon — perfect for late July events
Quick Reference: Meteor Shower Schedule
| Shower | Peak Night(s) | Time (PDT) | Radiant Direction | Suggested SD Viewing Sites | Backup Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Delta Aquariids | July 29–30 | Midnight–Dawn | Aquarius (S/SE) | Anza‑Borrego, Cuyamaca, Pine Valley | July 30–Aug 2 |
| Alpha Capricornids | July 29–30 | ~1 a.m. | Capricornus (S/SE) | Same as above | July 31–Aug 2 |
| Pegasids | ~July 11 | After midnight | Pegasus (E/NE) | Cuyamaca, Palomar | July 10–13 |
| Early Perseids | Late July onward | Pre‑dawn | Perseus (NE) | Palomar, Anza‑Borrego | July 25–29 |
Stargazing Tips for San Diego
- Distance yourself from coastal haze and city lights—head inland or uphill
- Let your eyes adjust (~30 minutes) before peak times
- Keep warm on high elevations, even in summer
- Use a red flashlight to preserve night vision
- Check local weather—July can bring marine layer or monsoon clouds
- Pack essentials: blanket, chair, snacks—and enjoy the sky!
Bottom Line
The best meteor-watching nights in San Diego County are July 29–30, when both the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids peak under a dark, new moon sky. If conditions aren’t favorable, use backups in early August. Other sightings like the weak Pegasids around July 11 and early Perseids later in the month offer additional viewing nights for eager sky-watchers.
Clear skies—and happy meteor hunting!
