The annual Perseid meteor shower, one of the brighter meteor showers of the year, happens near the end of summer. The shower tends to peak around August 9-13. Here's everything you need to know.

The best time to view the Perseids, or most other meteor showers is when the sky is the darkest.

No matter where you live worldwide, the 2015 Perseid meteor shower will probably be fine on the mornings of August 11, 12, 13 and 14.

You need no special equipment to enjoy this nighttime spectacle. But you’ll definitely want to find a dark, open sky to fully enjoy the show. Give yourself at least an hour of observing time, for these meteors in meteor showers come in spurts and are interspersed with lulls.

How to Watch Meteor Showers

Check the weather: Meteors, or shooting stars, are easy to spot, all you need is clear skies and a pair of eyes.

Get out of town: Find a place as far away as possible from artificial lights

Prepare to wait: Bring something to sit or lie down on. Star gazing is a waiting game, so get comfortable.