Whether you are an avid astronomy enthusiast or simply want to get away from the city lights and gaze at the night sky, August brings with it one of the most impressive natural shows of the year: The Perseid meteor shower. Dozens of guided viewing events, night tours, telescope observations, lectures, and activities for the whole family will take place across the country throughout the month, from the Dead Sea through Hadera and the Negev Highlands to nature reserves and the Judean Mountains.
The peak of the Perseid meteor shower is expected between August 11 and 13, 2026, and under good sky conditions, dozens and even more than 100 meteors per hour will be visible. But let us tell you a secret: The famous meteor shower does not take place only on this specific weekend, but throughout almost all of August, simply take a blanket, a tent, or book a mid-week night at a simple hotel and enjoy the exact same show without the crowds that will flock to the desert next weekend.
Here are some of the prominent events this month.
The Perseids Meteor Shower at the Dead Sea
The Tamar Regional Council will hold two special observation evenings against the backdrop of dark desert skies, featuring professional telescopes, explanations of celestial bodies, meteor shower viewing while lying on mats, music, herbal tea, and roasted marshmallows. The activity is suitable for the whole family and lasts about two hours. The exact location will be sent to those who register in advance.
Where: Hotel area, Dead Sea
When: August 12-13, starting at 9:00 p.m.
How much: NIS 50 per participant (ages 5 and up)
For more details: On the website
A Night of Shooting Stars at Technoda Hadera
Technoda will hold a special evening in cooperation with the Hadera Municipality, during which the area will be darkened to reduce light pollution. Participants will enjoy guided star observation, scientific lectures, a rocket launch activity, and an open-air astronomy experience under the sky. The event is intended for adults and children aged 12 and older.
Where: Technoda, 2 Harav Nissim St., Hadera
When: August 13, 9:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
How much: NIS 35 per participant
For more details: https://www.technoda.org.il/
Perseid Events in the Negev Highlands
The Cool Summer Nights festival will turn the Negev Mountains into a pilgrimage site for star lovers. Guided observations, night tours, astronomy meetings, and desert activities will take place throughout August, with the peak of events between August 11 and 13.
Where: Various locations across the Negev Mountains
When: Throughout August, peak events on August 11-13
How much: Varies depending on the activity
For more details: https://www.gonegev.co.il/
Secrets of Shivta – Lantern Tour and Stargazing
A night tour in Shivta National Park combines walking among the remains of the Nabataean city, desert hospitality around a campfire, and guided stargazing with lasers, including viewing the Perseid meteor shower.
Where: Shivta National Park
When: August 10-15
How much: NIS 125 per participant
For more details: https://did.li/y3Wx5
Astronomical Observation in Sde Boker
On the peak evening of the meteor shower, a guided observation will take place with a certified astronomy guide, which will include an introduction to the constellations, viewing through telescopes, and explanations of how meteor showers are formed.
Where: Sde Boker
When: August 12, 8:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
How much: NIS 190 per participant
For more details: www.negevsafari.co.il
More Events in the Negev Highlands
Scorpions, Stars, and Chalk Tours
Unique night tours combining an introduction to desert wildlife, walking among chalk formations, and stargazing, offering a different perspective on the desert after dark.
Where: Various locations in the Negev Highlands
When: Throughout August
How much: Varies
For more details: https://oferhamidbar.co.il/
Night Encampment Under the Open Sky
A desert experience including dinner, guided telescope stargazing, an evening around the campfire, and the option of overnight camping in tents with breakfast the next morning.
Where: Shivta area, Ramat Hanegev
When: August 11-12
How much: NIS 360 without lodging, NIS 550 including lodging and breakfast
For more details: https://sale-page.greeninvoice.co.il/trrlk1
Magical Nights by the Nature and Parks Authority
The Nature and Parks Authority will hold a series of night events across the country, including guided observations of the Perseid meteor shower, sunset tours, visits to visitor centers, and overnight stays at night camps. Participating sites include the Good Samaritan, Belvoir, Hai-Bar Yotvata, Ramon Crater, Tel Arad, and Mamshit.
Where: Nature reserves and national parks across the country
When: August 9-14
How much: Varies according to site and activity
For more details: https://www.parks.org.il/
Recommended Viewing Points in Mateh Yehuda
The Mateh Yehuda Regional Council is not holding a centralized event, but recommends a series of excellent observation points for independent viewing of the Perseid meteor shower, including the Nataf area, Mitzpe Harel, Britannia Park, Martyrs' Forest, the Elah Valley Scenic Route, and the Nes Harim – Bar Giora area. Alongside the observation, visits to wineries, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts in the area can be combined.
Where: Various locations in Mateh Yehuda
When: During the peak days of the Perseid meteor shower
How much: Free
For more details: https://tour-yehuda.org.il/