Stargazing is the perfect excuse to stay up late at night, and in 2026 the skies above Dubai offer plenty of reasons to do exactly that. From meteor showers that reward patience to planets shining brighter than usual, this year brings a full calendar of celestial moments worth marking. Whether you are a casual sky-watcher on a balcony or someone who escapes the city lights for the desert, these are the stargazing events that will define the year.
Jupiter at its closest to Earth
When: January 10
The year opens with a planetary highlight as Jupiter reaches its closest point to Earth. At this time, the gas giant appears brighter and larger than at any other point in the year. In Dubai’s clear winter skies, Jupiter can be spotted with the naked eye for most of the night, glowing steadily above the horizon.
If you have access to a small telescope or even a strong pair of binoculars, this is the perfect opportunity to spot Jupiter’s four largest moons lined up beside it. The cooler January evenings make outdoor viewing comfortable, turning this planetary moment into an ideal introduction to the year ahead.
Lyrids Meteor Shower
When: April 22 to April 23
One of the oldest recorded meteor showers returns in April, bringing fast-moving meteors and occasional bright fireballs. The Lyrids may not be the most intense shower of the year, but what they lack in volume they make up for in drama.
Under dark skies away from city lights, observers in Dubai can expect to see around 15 to 20 meteors per hour at peak activity. These meteors often leave glowing trails that linger briefly in the sky, making the experience feel especially magical during the calm spring nights.
Blue Micromoon
When: May 31
This full moon delivers a rare combination. It is both a blue moon, meaning the second full moon within a single month, and a micromoon, which occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth. The result is a full moon that appears slightly smaller and dimmer than usual.
While the difference is subtle, moon enthusiasts will appreciate the rarity of this event. It is a gentle reminder that not every celestial highlight needs to be bold to be special, and it offers a peaceful moment to pause and look up during warmer evenings.
Perseids Meteor Shower
When: August 12 to August 13
The Perseids are the undisputed crowd-pleasers of the stargazing calendar. Known for their high meteor rates and bright streaks, they are often considered the best meteor shower for casual observers.
At peak activity, up to 150 meteors per hour may be visible under ideal conditions. In Dubai, late-night and pre-dawn hours offer the best chance of spotting them, especially if you can escape to darker desert areas. Warm summer nights mean no heavy layers are needed, making this one of the most comfortable all-night sky watches of the year.
Best time to see Saturn’s rings
When: October 4
Saturn reaches opposition in early October, placing it at its closest point to Earth for the year. This alignment makes the planet brighter and its rings more visible than usual, especially through a telescope.
For serious stargazers in Dubai, this is the night to plan a dedicated viewing session. The planet rises in the evening and remains visible for much of the night, allowing plenty of time to admire its structure. Clear autumn skies and cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for detailed planetary observation.
Orionids Meteor Shower
When: October 21 to October 22
The Orionids are known for producing bright, fast meteors that often leave glowing trails across the sky. Radiating from the constellation Orion, this shower is best viewed after midnight when the radiant point climbs higher.
Although the Orionids do not usually produce extremely high numbers, their meteors are among the most visually impressive. For observers willing to stay up into the early hours, the reward is a series of sharp, dramatic streaks cutting through the darkness.
Leonids Meteor Shower
When: November 17 to November 18
The Leonids are famous for their speed. These meteors hit Earth’s atmosphere at incredible velocities, resulting in bright, fast-moving streaks that can appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly.
While Leonid activity varies from year to year, peak nights are always worth watching. When conditions align, the shower can produce memorable bursts of activity, making it a favourite among seasoned sky-watchers who enjoy the element of surprise.
Beaver Supermoon
When: November 24
The Beaver Moon gets its name from traditional seasonal markers associated with winter preparation. In 2026, it arrives as a supermoon, meaning it appears larger and brighter than an average full moon.
This event is ideal for casual observers and photographers alike. Watching the moon rise over Dubai’s skyline or desert landscapes creates striking visual moments, and the pleasant November evenings make it perfect for relaxed outdoor viewing.
Geminids Meteor Shower
When: December 13 to December 14
Often considered the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids are known for their intensity and colourful meteors. Unlike many showers, they remain active throughout the night, not just before dawn.
Observers may see up to 120 meteors per hour during peak activity, with flashes of white, yellow, and even green streaking across the sky. December’s cooler nights in Dubai make long viewing sessions comfortable, especially with a warm drink and a clear horizon.
Cold Moon
When: December 24
The final full moon of the year rises on Christmas Eve, earning the name Cold Moon due to the cooler season. In Dubai, this translates to some of the most pleasant outdoor weather of the year.
It is a calm and fitting way to close out 2026’s celestial calendar. With festive energy in the air and clear winter skies overhead, this full moon offers a reflective moment to appreciate a year filled with unforgettable stargazing experiences.
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