If you’re wondering when is the full moon in 2026, you’re not alone. The first full moon of the year will rise on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:24 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, lighting up winter skies across the United States. This beautiful lunar event, called the Wolf Moon, marks the start of another year filled with 12 dazzling full moons — each with its own name, story, and seasonal meaning.
Whether you love stargazing, photography, or simply enjoying nature, 2026 will offer a stunning lineup of full moons worth marking on your calendar.
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🌕 What Is a Full Moon?
A full moon occurs when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun, with Earth perfectly in between. During this alignment, sunlight fully illuminates the side of the Moon facing us, creating that bright, round glow visible all night long.
This happens roughly once every 29.5 days, the length of a lunar cycle. While it’s easy to think each full moon looks the same, every one is unique — varying slightly in size, brightness, and timing depending on the Moon’s orbit and distance from Earth.
📅 When Is the Full Moon in 2026?
Here’s the complete 2026 full moon calendar, verified through NASA’s and the U.S. Naval Observatory’s latest data. Times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
| Month | Full Moon Name | Date (2026) | Time (EST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wolf Moon | January 8 | 6:24 p.m. |
| February | Snow Moon | February 6 | 1:41 p.m. |
| March | Worm Moon | March 8 | 6:38 a.m. |
| April | Pink Moon | April 7 | 11:12 p.m. |
| May | Flower Moon | May 6 | 7:47 a.m. |
| June | Strawberry Moon | June 5 | 8:40 p.m. |
| July | Buck Moon | July 4 | 12:56 p.m. |
| August | Sturgeon Moon | August 3 | 5:22 a.m. |
| September | Harvest Moon | September 2 | 9:08 p.m. |
| October | Hunter’s Moon | October 1 | 3:47 p.m. |
| November | Beaver Moon | November 30 | 11:42 p.m. |
| December | Cold Moon | December 30 | 5:14 a.m. |
Each of these full moons brings something special — whether it’s a glowing summer rise or a crisp winter reflection across snow.
❄️ January – The Wolf Moon
The year begins with the Wolf Moon on January 8. This full moon gets its name from ancient winter nights when wolves howled through the forests. In 2026, it will appear large and golden as it rises just after sunset, then turn a brilliant white as it climbs higher into the sky.
Bundle up and find a clear view to the east — this is one of the brightest moons of the year.
🌨️ February – The Snow Moon
The Snow Moon peaks on February 6 at 1:41 p.m. EST, though you’ll see it shining full the nights before and after. Named for the heavy snowfalls of February, this moon often appears extra crisp in the cold air. It’s an ideal night for photographers capturing reflections on snowy landscapes.
🌱 March – The Worm Moon
Spring’s first full moon, the Worm Moon, rises on March 8 at 6:38 a.m. EST. Its name comes from the reappearance of earthworms as the ground thaws, signaling the start of the growing season. For many Americans, it’s a hopeful sign that longer, warmer days are returning.
🌸 April – The Pink Moon
The Pink Moon arrives on April 7 at 11:12 p.m. EST. Despite the name, it won’t look pink — the title honors pink phlox flowers that bloom early in spring. Clear, mild evenings make this a favorite for moon watchers across the country.
🌼 May – The Flower Moon
The Flower Moon peaks on May 6 at 7:47 a.m. EST, filling the sky with soft light before sunrise. It represents abundance and the height of spring’s beauty. This full moon often appears slightly larger and brighter due to its position in the Moon’s orbit.
🍓 June – The Strawberry Moon
The Strawberry Moon will shine on June 5 at 8:40 p.m. EST, signaling the start of summer. Native tribes named it after the short strawberry harvest season. Warm evenings and longer days make this one perfect for family moon-viewing picnics or beach photography.
🦌 July – The Buck Moon
The Buck Moon will occur on July 4, 2026, at 12:56 p.m. EST, coinciding with Independence Day. Named for the time when male deer grow new antlers, it’s a patriotic pairing this year. Watch for it the evening before or after for the best nighttime views under fireworks-lit skies.
🐟 August – The Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon rises on August 3 at 5:22 a.m. EST. The name comes from large sturgeon fish caught in late summer waters. Its soft glow pairs beautifully with early morning fog or reflections over lakes and rivers — ideal for U.S. campers and photographers.
🌾 September – The Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon peaks on September 2 at 9:08 p.m. EST. It’s famous for its bright, extended light — often rising soon after sunset for several nights in a row. Historically, farmers used its glow to harvest crops late into the evening. This year’s Harvest Moon will appear especially orange near the horizon.
🦉 October – The Hunter’s Moon
The Hunter’s Moon will reach its fullest point on October 1 at 3:47 p.m. EST. Following the harvest, hunters once relied on this moonlight to prepare for winter. It’s known for its deep amber color and crisp, clear autumn skies — one of the most beautiful moons to photograph.
🦫 November – The Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon will occur on November 30 at 11:42 p.m. EST. It was named for the time when beavers built their dams before rivers froze. This late autumn moon is bright and steady, marking the approach of winter’s long nights.
❄️ December – The Cold Moon
The Cold Moon closes out the year on December 30, 2026, at 5:14 a.m. EST. It reflects the season’s chill and long darkness but also the quiet beauty of winter nights. When the air is still and the sky is clear, this moon can appear breathtakingly bright — casting long shadows across snowy landscapes.
🌊 How Full Moons Affect Earth
Each full moon plays a role beyond beauty. The alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during this phase increases gravitational pull, creating spring tides. These are periods of slightly higher high tides and lower low tides that occur across the U.S. coastlines.
Full moons also influence wildlife behavior. Many nocturnal species adjust activity levels under brighter light. For example, predators may hunt more actively, while prey species stay hidden longer.
🔭 Best Ways to Watch the Full Moon
You don’t need special equipment to enjoy a full moon — but a little preparation makes the experience even better. Here’s how to get the most from each one:
- Check local moonrise times. The Moon looks largest near the horizon.
- Head to a dark location. Away from city lights, you’ll see more detail and stars.
- Use binoculars. Even a small pair reveals craters and surface shadows.
- Take photos near landmarks. Mountains, bridges, or trees make for dramatic compositions.
- Stay patient. The best color often appears right at moonrise or moonset.
For detailed sky charts, free apps like Sky Guide, Stellarium, or NASA’s Sky Events Calendar can show exactly where and when to look.
🌕 Why People Ask “When Is the Full Moon?”
The question when is the full moon remains one of the most searched astronomy topics every year — and for good reason. Full moons guide tides, mark time, and inspire art, celebrations, and spirituality. Many people use them to set intentions, plant crops, or simply appreciate the passage of time.
In 2026, with 12 unique full moons spaced neatly through the year, sky lovers will have plenty of opportunities to connect with these natural cycles.
Read Also-Full Moon December 2025 Horoscope: What the Cold Moon Means for Every Zodiac Sign
🌎 Full Moons and the Seasons
The Moon’s rhythm mirrors the seasons perfectly. The Wolf Moon glows over frozen forests, the Flower Moon lights up spring blossoms, and the Harvest Moon signals summer’s end. Together, they form a celestial calendar that reminds us how closely human life remains tied to nature.
This steady cycle — predictable, timeless, and visible from anywhere in the U.S. — has made full moons a universal symbol of continuity and wonder.
🌒 Looking Ahead in 2026
Beyond the monthly full moons, 2026 will feature one of the decade’s biggest sky events: a total solar eclipse on August 12. It will be visible in parts of the western United States, offering another reminder of the fascinating connection between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
With both dazzling eclipses and beautifully timed full moons, 2026 promises to be a rewarding year for anyone who loves watching the skies.
Final Thoughts
Whether you track lunar cycles, capture moonrise photos, or just enjoy the view, knowing when is the full moon helps you experience one of nature’s most timeless shows. Each one tells a story, connects us to the past, and invites us to pause — even for a moment — to appreciate the rhythm of the universe.
Mark your calendars now: the next full moon shines bright on January 8, 2026. Step outside, look up, and enjoy the magic that has guided humanity for centuries.