November, planned around the Moon. Last quarter is today, Nov 1. New Moon falls on Nov 9, which makes that the darkest week of the month. First quarter is Nov 17 and full Moon is Nov 24.
The Leonids peak around Nov 17-18, under a first-quarter Moon, so expect a modest show rather than a storm. A detailed Leonids guide follows later this month.
Saturn remains the evening planet after its Oct 4 opposition, lower and earlier each week.
Put your darkest plans in the week of Nov 9. That is when November's sky is most cooperative.
Sources: U.S. Naval Observatory Moon phases; IMO 2026 meteor shower calendar. For the month's basic kit, see the Starter Kit.