When will the moon rise and set tonight?
Looking for tonight’s Moonrise and Moonset times? Pick a date and find accurate timings based on your location. As the Moon rises at a different time every day, you can follow its pattern right from your backyard.
Find Accurate Moonrise and Moonset Times for Any Location
Whether you’re planning an astrophotography session, scheduling a camping trip, observing the night sky, or simply curious about when the Moon will appear, our Moonrise & Moonset Time Calculator provides accurate rise and set times for virtually any location on Earth.
Simply choose your location and date to instantly discover the Moonrise time and Moonset time.
Unlike static calendars, this calculator generates results specifically for your selected location, making it far more accurate for planning nighttime observations.
What Is Moonrise?
Moonrise is the moment when the upper edge of the Moon first becomes visible above your local horizon.
Just like sunrise, moonrise depends on your exact location, elevation, atmospheric conditions, and the Moon’s current orbit around Earth.
Because Earth rotates continuously, every location experiences its own moonrise time.
What Is Moonset?
Moonset occurs when the Moon disappears below the western horizon.
Depending on the lunar phase, moonset may happen during:
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Late at night
Many people assume the Moon only appears after sunset, but that’s not true.
The Moon is often visible during daylight, especially during its waxing and waning phases.
Why Do Moonrise and Moonset Times Change Every Day?
The Moon orbits Earth approximately once every 27.3 days relative to the stars and completes its full cycle of phases in about 29.5 days. As it moves eastward in its orbit, Earth must rotate a little farther before the Moon appears above the horizon again. As a result, moonrise occurs roughly 50 minutes later each day on average, although the exact difference varies because the Moon follows an elliptical, tilted orbit.
Several factors influence daily moonrise and moonset times:
- The Moon’s orbital motion
- Earth’s rotation
- Your latitude and longitude
- Time zone
- Seasonal changes
- The Moon’s orbital inclination
- The Moon’s varying orbital speed
Because all of these factors change continuously, moonrise and moonset are never exactly the same from one day to the next.
Why Moonrise Can Sometimes Be Much Later—or Earlier—Than Expected
Many people notice that moonrise doesn’t always shift by exactly 50 minutes each day.
That’s because:
- The Moon travels in an elliptical orbit.
- It sometimes moves faster and sometimes slower.
- Its orbital path is tilted relative to Earth’s equator.
- Your latitude affects how steeply the Moon’s path crosses your horizon.
Near the poles, these effects become even more pronounced.
What Affects Moonrise and Moonset Times?
Geographic Location
Every city has different rise and set times. A person in New York will see the Moon at a different time than someone in London, Tokyo, Sydney, or Mumbai.
Latitude
Latitude has a major influence. Higher latitudes experience larger seasonal variations.
Longitude
Moving east or west changes local observation times because Earth rotates from west to east.
Time Zone
Moonrise calculations must be converted into your local timezone.
Daylight Saving Time
Where applicable, daylight saving adjustments also affect displayed times.
Can the Moon Rise During the Day?
Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Moon only appears at night.
- First Quarter Moon rises around noon.
- Full Moon rises near sunset.
- Last Quarter Moon rises around midnight.
- New Moon rises with the Sun.
The Moon spends about half of every month visible during daylight hours.
Moonrise and Moonset During Each Moon Phase
| Moon Phase | Approximate Moonrise | Approximate Moonset |
|---|---|---|
| New Moon | Sunrise | Sunset |
| Waxing Crescent | Morning | Evening |
| First Quarter | Noon | Midnight |
| Waxing Gibbous | Afternoon | Early Morning |
| Full Moon | Sunset | Sunrise |
| Waning Gibbous | Evening | Morning |
| Last Quarter | Midnight | Noon |
| Waning Crescent | Before Sunsrise | Afternoon |
Why Is the Moon Sometimes Missing?
Occasionally, the Moon may not rise or set on a particular calendar day.
This happens because:
Moonrise may occur before midnight while moonset happens after midnight. Near polar regions, the Moon can remain above or below the horizon for more than 24 hours. Extreme northern and southern latitudes experience unique lunar motion.
Best Time to Watch Moonrise
Many astronomers consider moonrise to be one of the most beautiful moments of the lunar cycle.
When the Moon is close to the horizon, atmospheric scattering often gives it a warm orange or reddish appearance.
Moonrise Photography Tips
If you’re planning to photograph the Moon:
- Use a telephoto lens.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before moonrise.
- Check local weather conditions.
- Include foreground objects for scale.
- Use a tripod.
- Plan around the Moon phase and illumination.
Why Do Moonrise and moonset Times Matter?
Knowing moonrise and moonset times is useful for:
- Astrophotography
- Stargazing
- Astronomy observations
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting (where legal)
- Tide prediction
- Night landscape photography
- Lunar eclipse viewing
How Our Moonrise & Moonset Calculator Works
Our calculator uses astronomical algorithms that account for:
- Earth’s rotation
- Lunar orbital motion
- Geographic coordinates
- Local timezone
- Observation date
It then calculates the precise moments when the Moon crosses your local horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moonrise always after sunset?
No. The Moon can rise at any time of the day depending on its phase.
Why does the Moon rise about 50 minutes later each day?
Because the Moon moves eastward in its orbit while Earth rotates, Earth must turn a little farther before the Moon appears again.
Can the Moon rise twice in one day?
Yes. Under certain timing conditions, especially around midnight, two moonrises can occur within the same calendar date.
Why is there no moonrise today?
Depending on your location and the Moon’s position, moonrise may occur before or after the current calendar day.
Is moonrise the same everywhere?
No. Moonrise depends on your exact location.
Does weather affect moonrise?
Weather doesn’t change the actual rise time, but clouds and atmospheric conditions may prevent you from seeing the Moon.
Is moonrise different from moon transit?
Yes. Moonrise is when the Moon appears above the horizon. Moon transit is when it reaches its highest point in the sky.