Geminid Meteor Shower 2025: When to watch, how to see, where will it be most visible in Australia, and everything to know

Australians will be treated to one last stunning meteor shower for 2025, with the Geminids set to peak this weekend.

Named for the Gemini constellation, the Geminid meteor shower is considered one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year.

The annual shower is caused by an asteroid named 3200 Phaethon and is usually visible in the night sky for about two weeks in December. 

Swinburne space expert Dr Kirsten Banks said the Geminids were widely regarded as the standout meteor shower of the year.

“The Geminids meteor shower is the king of all annual meteor showers,” Banks said.

“It’s peppered with several bright and sometimes colourful meteors that appear to originate from the constellation Gemini, hence the name.”

Here’s how to catch a glimpse of the Geminids from cities across Australia this weekend.

When is the peak of the Geminid meteor shower?

The Geminid meteor shower started on December 4 and will last until about December 20 in 2025.

It is expected to peak on the night between Sunday, December 14 and Monday, December 15.

During the peak, stargazers can expect to see up to 120 meteors per hour.

They appear like shooting stars or streaks of light in the dark sky.

Can I see the Geminid meteor shower from Australia?

The Geminids are visible from both hemispheres and can be seen from all capital cities in Australia.

Banks said the Geminids could have up to 150 meteors streaking across the sky.

“Depending on your location and how far you are from bright city lights, you could see around 20 bright meteors per hour, patience is key,” she said.

“Find yourself a secluded place away from bright city lights and sit back, relax and enjoy the celestial show.”

Where should I look in the sky for the Geminid meteor shower?

The meteors tend to appear from near the Gemini constellation, which rises in the north-east and sets in the north-west in the sky over Australia.

When is the best time to see the Geminid meteor shower?

The best time to watch the Geminids during their peak in each capital city is as follows:

How long will the Geminid meteor shower last?

The Geminid meteor shower will last until about December 20 in 2025, though visibility may be reduced later in the month.