The ultimate stargazing experience in Tenerife
What are the perseids?
The Perseids meteor shower is one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the year. Occurring annually between mid-July and late August, the Perseids are caused by the earth atmosphere passing through the debris left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle. As these tiny particles enter our atmosphere, they burn up, creating bright, fast-moving streaks across the night sky.
This meteor shower gets its name because the meteors appear to originate from the constellation Perseus, although they can be seen across the entire sky. Due to their intensity, the Perseids are considered the most popular meteor shower of the year, peaking in mid-August with up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.
When is the best time to see the Perseids?
The peak of the Perseids is expected to occur on the night of August 12-13. This will be the best time to witness the shower, as the Moon will be in a favorable phase, ensuring dark skies for optimal visibility.
The best time to observe the Perseids is after midnight, when the meteor activity increases. However, you can still see meteors earlier in the night, particularly in dark-sky locations with minimal light pollution.
Why Tenerife is the best place to see the Perseids
1. High altitude and clear skies
Tenerife, particularly Las Cañadas del Teide, is one of the best locations in the world for stargazing. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, the Teide National Park provides clear, unpolluted skies—a crucial factor for meteor shower viewing.
2. Minimal light pollution
Unlike urban areas, where city lights obscure celestial events, Tenerife’s protected areas—especially Mount Teide—offer pristine dark skies. Here, you can enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Perseids.
3. Warm and comfortable conditions
Unlike colder European destinations, Tenerife boasts mild summer temperatures, making your stargazing experience much more comfortable. A light jacket is usually enough, even at higher altitudes.
How to watch the Perseids: A step-by-step guide
1. Choose the best location
The most recommended place to watch the Perseids in Tenerife is Las Cañadas del Teide, where Teide By Night offers an exclusive stargazing tour. Other good spots include:
- Izaña Observatory
- Mirador de La Ruleta
- El Portillo
2. Arrive early and get comfortable
Plan to arrive at least 30-60 minutes before midnight to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
3. Avoid artificial light
To see the most meteors, avoid looking at your phone or bright screens, as this will affect your night vision.
4. Look towards the radiant
While the meteors originate near the Perseus constellation, they will be visible all across the sky. The best viewing direction is towards the northeast.
5. Book a professional stargazing tour
For the ultimate experience, consider joining a guided stargazing tour with Teide By Night, where expert astronomers provide telescopes and detailed explanations about the night sky.
👉 Book your Teide Stargazing Tour now!
What to bring for the Perseids meteor shower
✔ Warm clothing: Even in summer, temperatures drop at night.
✔ Red flashlight: Helps preserve your night vision.
✔ Snacks & water: Stay comfortable while you enjoy the show.
✔ Camera & tripod: Capture the beauty of the meteors.
Frequently asked questions about the Perseids
1. Do I need a telescope to see the Perseids?
No! The Perseids are best observed with the naked eye. Unlike other celestial events, meteors move too quickly to be seen through a telescope.
2. How many meteors can I expect to see?
At peak time, up to 100 meteors per hour may be visible under perfect conditions. However, this depends on light pollution, weather, and patience.
3. What If the Sky Is Cloudy?
If clouds interfere with your stargazing, try changing location or booking a professional stargazing tour, where guides can find the best visibility points.
4. Can you see the Perseids from Tenerife?
Absolutely! Tenerife is one of the best places in the world to observe the Perseids meteor shower due to its clear skies, high altitude, and low light pollution.
The best location to watch the Perseids from Tenerife is Las Cañadas del Teide, within Teide National Park, at over 2,000 meters above sea level. The altitude minimizes atmospheric distortion, and the park’s protected Starlight Reserve ensures minimal artificial light interference.
The ideal time to see the Perseids will be on the night of August 12 to 13, after midnight when the meteor activity reaches its peak. For the best experience, avoid city lights, bring warm clothing, and lie back to enjoy the show!
For an unforgettable stargazing experience, consider joining a Teide By Night Stargazing Tour with expert guides and professional telescopes.
5. Which direction is best to see the Perseids?
To best observe the Perseids meteor shower, you should look towards the northeast sky. The Perseids appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, which rises in the northeastern horizon after sunset and moves higher in the sky as the night progresses.
However, you don’t need to focus directly on Perseus, meteors will streak across all parts of the sky. For the best experience:
Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20-30 minutes.
Use a wide field of view, as meteors can appear anywhere.
Avoid artificial lights and use red-filtered flashlights if needed.
Peak viewing hours are usually after midnight when the radiant is higher in the sky.
If you’re in Tenerife, the best spot to watch the Perseids is from Las Cañadas del Teide in Teide National Park, where minimal light pollution and high altitude create ideal viewing conditions.
Experience the Perseids Like Never Before!
For the best stargazing experience in Tenerife, join a Teide By Night guided tour. Witness the Perseids meteor shower from one of the best dark-sky locations in the world while learning from expert astronomers.
🌟 Don’t miss this celestial spectacle! Secure your spot now:
👉 Book your tour here
