This month’s skies and landscapes across Marin County are full of seasonal wonders—and a few surprises. The Leonid meteor shower is dazzling stargazers from Sausalito to Point Reyes until November 30.
At the same time, nature watchers are noticing unusual butterfly patterns and striking autumn transitions in local flora. There are also fascinating sightings of native wildlife structures.
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Whether you’re in San Rafael or Inverness, these seasonal changes offer plenty to watch and reflect on.
Leonid Meteor Shower Lights Up Marin’s Night Skies
The Leonid meteor shower is making its annual appearance through November 30. This beautiful display should peak on November 17, with about 15 meteors an hour.
Residents of Novato, Fairfax, and Mill Valley have an excellent vantage point, especially if they find spots with minimal light pollution.
Best Viewing Practices for Local Stargazers
The brightest activity shows up when you look toward the constellation Leo in the eastern sky before midnight. For the clearest view, pick a high, dark area away from city lights—Mount Tamalpais and Bolinas Ridge both offer breathtaking vantage points.
Let your eyes adjust to the night sky for at least 20 minutes. And don’t forget to dress warmly for the cool autumn evenings.
Shifting Tides and the November Moon
Just two days after the meteor shower’s expected peak, November’s new moon arrives on the 19th. Along with clear, dark skies, this lunar phase brings exceptionally high morning tides—rising to nearly six feet—across Marin’s shores from Tomales Bay to Richardson Bay.
These so-called “king tides” make dramatic appearances, transforming familiar beaches and marshes.
King Tides Return in Early December
The highest water levels of the season are forecast for the first week of December. These ultra-high tides often combine with storm swells, flooding low-lying streets in places like San Quentin Village and parts of Mill Valley.
Coastal residents should plan ahead and check tide charts for safe travel in vulnerable zones.
Where Are Marin’s Monarch Butterflies?
This year, many local observers—from Corte Madera to Stinson Beach—are reporting a disturbing absence: monarch butterflies haven’t returned from their winter migration in Mexico. Normally, monarchs west of the Rockies travel to overwintering habitats along the California coast, with Marin’s own Bolinas and Muir Beach serving as annual resting points.
A Tale of Two Migrations
Monarchs east of the Rockies journey from Mexico to the Atlantic coast and even Canada. The lack of western monarchs here raises questions about environmental changes, habitat loss, and climate-related pressures impacting their survival.
Many residents and conservation groups in Marin County are watching closely and advocating for pollinator-friendly practices.
Autumn’s Color and Wild Structures
Even as the season’s leafy display begins to fade along Marin trails, the countryside’s colors stay vibrant. Bright red madrone berries stand out like jewels against the tree’s glossy green leaves and warm, reddish-brown bark.
You’ll spot them along Fairfax backroads, in Larkspur’s wooded neighborhoods, and throughout Point Reyes National Seashore.
Dusky-Footed Woodrats Reveal Their Nesting Skills
With more leaves falling, hikers and naturalists have a unique opportunity to spot the impressive stick nests of dusky-footed woodrats. These large, intricate structures become more visible near riparian zones such as White House Pool in Point Reyes Station and along Limantour Road.
The nests, sometimes several feet high, show off the resourcefulness of one of Marin’s underappreciated native mammals.
Seasonal Highlights for November in Marin
To make the most of these weeks, you might want to add a few special sights to your own nature calendar:
- Catch the Leonids from Marin’s dark-sky spots like Mount Tam or Bolinas.
- Check out king tides in places around Tomales Bay and Corte Madera Creek.
- Let local conservation groups know if you spot monarch butterflies—or if you don’t see any at all.
- Walk riparian trails on Limantour Road and look for woodrat nests up close.
November in Marin County mixes skyward spectacles with quirky ecological moments.
Maybe you’re a seasoned naturalist in San Anselmo, or just a curious evening walker in Tiburon.
Either way, these phenomena nudge us to remember how our local landscape connects to bigger natural rhythms.
As winter creeps in, keep your eyes up at the stars and down along the trails—you never know what quiet marvels you’ll stumble across.
Here is the source article for this story: Nature Notebook, November 13, 2025
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