When is the Next Full Moon?
A Full Moon occurs when the moon is fully illuminated as seen from Earth. It comes about 14.77 days after a New Moon. Most years have 12 full Moons, and some have 13. Each full Moon has its own traditional name.
These Dates and Time were obtained from Astro Pixels.
Full Moon Names and their Meaning
January 3 – Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon marks the first full moon of the year. Its name comes from mid-winter nights when wolves were often heard howling near human settlements in search of food. This full moon is also a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter because it occurs near the Moon’s closest point to Earth.
February 1 – Snow Moon
February is traditionally the snowiest month in many northern regions, which is how this moon earned its name. Harsh weather and deep snow once made hunting difficult, giving this full moon an association with endurance and survival.
March 3 – Worm Moon
As winter comes to an end, the ground begins to soften and earthworms reappear, attracting birds and signaling the return of spring. In colder regions, this moon was also linked to thawing soil and melting snow.
April 2 – Pink Moon
Despite its name, the Moon does not appear pink. The name comes from early spring wildflowers, especially pink phlox, that bloom during this period. The Pink Moon represents renewal, growth, and the true arrival of spring.
May 1 – Flower Moon
May is a peak blooming season across much of the world. Fields and forests come alive with color, which is why this moon celebrates flowers and fertility. It reflects abundance and rapid growth in nature.
May 31 – Blue Moon
A Blue Moon occurs when two full moons fall within a single calendar month. This is the second full moon of May, making it a seasonal rarity. The phrase “once in a blue moon” comes from this uncommon timing, not from any change in the Moon’s color.
June 29 – Strawberry Moon
Named after the short strawberry harvesting season in North America, this moon is linked to early summer. In many cultures, it also symbolizes ripening crops and the transition into warmer nights.
July 29 – Buck Moon
Male deer, known as bucks, begin growing new antlers during this time. The Buck Moon reflects renewal and strength in wildlife. Other traditional names for this moon include Thunder Moon, due to frequent summer storms.
August 28- Sturgeon Moon
Late summer was once the best time to catch sturgeon fish in the Great Lakes and major rivers. This moon highlights abundance in fishing and food gathering, especially in freshwater regions.
September 26 – Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. Its light rises earlier in the evening for several nights in a row, historically allowing farmers to work late into the night harvesting crops.
October 26 – Hunter’s Moon
Following the harvest, fields were left bare, making it easier to spot animals. This moon marked the ideal time for hunting and preserving meat ahead of winter. It carries strong associations with preparation and transition.
November 24 – Beaver Moon
This name comes from the time when beavers were actively building dams and storing food for winter. It also coincided with the period when people set traps before rivers froze.
December 24 – Cold Moon
The Cold Moon reflects long nights and the deep chill of winter. In 2026, it falls on December 24, adding a quiet celestial presence to the year’s end. It represents stillness, reflection, and endurance.
Where Do Full Moon Names Come From?
Most commonly used full moon names today originate from Native American traditions, later recorded and adapted by European settlers. These names were practical markers of time, helping communities track seasons, plan agriculture, and understand environmental changes. While different cultures around the world have their own lunar naming systems, these names remain widely used in modern astronomy calendars.
Read More about the Full Moon names on the Farmer’s Almanac.