Full Moons in 2026: Dates, Names, Meanings, and Blue Moon Explained
2026 is one of those years when the lunar cycle doesn’t neatly fit into our calendar months. As a result, it brings 13 Full Moons instead of the usual 12. That extra one is known as a Blue Moon, which simply means it’s the second Full Moon within the same calendar month. And no, it usually doesn’t look blue, though under certain conditions it can appear unusually colorful.
Below you’ll find the complete list of Full Moons for 2026, along with the meaning and background of each traditional Moon name as used in Western culture in the Northern Hemisphere. Whether you’re planning moon-based activities, a photoshoot, or just looking for a reason to look up more often, this guide is designed to be an easy reference you can return to throughout the year.
All dates and times are shown in London time (GMT/BST). For your exact local time, Moonlitt can instantly convert them and show visibility for your location.
Moon names aren’t official astronomical terms. They’re cultural nicknames that evolved across regions and eras, tied to seasonal patterns, farming rhythms, and folklore. In Moonlitt, you can explore these names alongside the actual moon phase timing, so the story and the sky line up in the same place.
2026 Full Moons
January 3, 2026 – Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon falls in deep winter, when nights are long and the world feels quieter. Its name comes from seasonal folklore, shaped by a time when cold meant scarcity and distance, and when sounds carried farther through frozen landscapes.
In Moonlitt, you can quickly check when the Moon reaches its highest point in your sky, often the most pleasant moment to observe it.
January 3, 2026 – Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon falls in deep winter, when nights are long and the world feels quieter. Its name comes from seasonal folklore, shaped by a time when cold meant scarcity and distance, and when sounds carried farther through frozen landscapes.
In Moonlitt, you can quickly check when the Moon reaches its highest point in your sky, often the most pleasant moment to observe it.
January 3, 2026 – Wolf Moon
The Wolf Moon falls in deep winter, when nights are long and the world feels quieter. Its name comes from seasonal folklore, shaped by a time when cold meant scarcity and distance, and when sounds carried farther through frozen landscapes.
In Moonlitt, you can quickly check when the Moon reaches its highest point in your sky, often the most pleasant moment to observe it.
February 1, 2026 – Snow Moon
The Snow Moon sits in the still, heavy heart of winter, when the landscape feels muted and slow. It’s a Full Moon associated with patience and endurance, the kind that builds quietly beneath the surface.
Tip: Winter skies are often exceptionally clear, making this a great Full Moon for sharp, high-contrast photography.
February 1, 2026 – Snow Moon
The Snow Moon sits in the still, heavy heart of winter, when the landscape feels muted and slow. It’s a Full Moon associated with patience and endurance, the kind that builds quietly beneath the surface.
Tip: Winter skies are often exceptionally clear, making this a great Full Moon for sharp, high-contrast photography.
February 1, 2026 – Snow Moon
The Snow Moon sits in the still, heavy heart of winter, when the landscape feels muted and slow. It’s a Full Moon associated with patience and endurance, the kind that builds quietly beneath the surface.
Tip: Winter skies are often exceptionally clear, making this a great Full Moon for sharp, high-contrast photography.
March 3, 2026 – Worm Moon
The Worm Moon hints at the transition toward spring: softer air, thawing ground, and the first signs of seasonal change. Traditionally, it’s linked to renewal and the return of momentum after winter.
Try catching it at moonrise for warmer tones and added atmosphere. With Moonlitt, you can receive instant notifications for moonrise and moonset based on your location.
This Full Moon will also be a Blood Moon, as a total lunar eclipse occurs on the same date. Moonlitt lets you check whether the eclipse is visible from your location, along with local timing and moon color predictions.
March 3, 2026 – Worm Moon
The Worm Moon hints at the transition toward spring: softer air, thawing ground, and the first signs of seasonal change. Traditionally, it’s linked to renewal and the return of momentum after winter.
Try catching it at moonrise for warmer tones and added atmosphere. With Moonlitt, you can receive instant notifications for moonrise and moonset based on your location.
This Full Moon will also be a Blood Moon, as a total lunar eclipse occurs on the same date. Moonlitt lets you check whether the eclipse is visible from your location, along with local timing and moon color predictions.
March 3, 2026 – Worm Moon
The Worm Moon hints at the transition toward spring: softer air, thawing ground, and the first signs of seasonal change. Traditionally, it’s linked to renewal and the return of momentum after winter.
Try catching it at moonrise for warmer tones and added atmosphere. With Moonlitt, you can receive instant notifications for moonrise and moonset based on your location.
This Full Moon will also be a Blood Moon, as a total lunar eclipse occurs on the same date. Moonlitt lets you check whether the eclipse is visible from your location, along with local timing and moon color predictions.
April 2, 2026 – Pink Moon
Despite its name, the Pink Moon rarely appears pink. The name comes from early spring blooms, particularly moss phlox wildflowers. It reflects the feeling of the season: brighter evenings, new colors outdoors, and a general sense of reset.
April 2, 2026 – Pink Moon
Despite its name, the Pink Moon rarely appears pink. The name comes from early spring blooms, particularly moss phlox wildflowers. It reflects the feeling of the season: brighter evenings, new colors outdoors, and a general sense of reset.
April 2, 2026 – Pink Moon
Despite its name, the Pink Moon rarely appears pink. The name comes from early spring blooms, particularly moss phlox wildflowers. It reflects the feeling of the season: brighter evenings, new colors outdoors, and a general sense of reset.
May 1, 2026 – Flower Moon
The Flower Moon represents peak spring energy. Growth is everywhere, days are noticeably longer, and there’s a renewed sense of life in the air. It’s a Full Moon that pairs well with simple outdoor plans.
May 1, 2026 – Flower Moon
The Flower Moon represents peak spring energy. Growth is everywhere, days are noticeably longer, and there’s a renewed sense of life in the air. It’s a Full Moon that pairs well with simple outdoor plans.
May 1, 2026 – Flower Moon
The Flower Moon represents peak spring energy. Growth is everywhere, days are noticeably longer, and there’s a renewed sense of life in the air. It’s a Full Moon that pairs well with simple outdoor plans.
May 31, 2026 – Blue Moon
This is the extra Full Moon of 2026. As the second Full Moon in May, it earns the title Blue Moon. It’s not usually blue in color, but it’s a rare calendar alignment that makes the year feel a little special.
Why is it called a Blue Moon? In modern usage, a Blue Moon refers to the second Full Moon in a calendar month. The expression “once in a blue moon” later became a common way to describe something rare or infrequent, though the exact origins of the phrase remain uncertain and somewhat tangled.
Moonlitt makes it easy to spot second-in-a-month Full Moons like this without having to do the calendar math yourself.
May 31, 2026 – Blue Moon
This is the extra Full Moon of 2026. As the second Full Moon in May, it earns the title Blue Moon. It’s not usually blue in color, but it’s a rare calendar alignment that makes the year feel a little special.
Why is it called a Blue Moon? In modern usage, a Blue Moon refers to the second Full Moon in a calendar month. The expression “once in a blue moon” later became a common way to describe something rare or infrequent, though the exact origins of the phrase remain uncertain and somewhat tangled.
Moonlitt makes it easy to spot second-in-a-month Full Moons like this without having to do the calendar math yourself.
May 31, 2026 – Blue Moon
This is the extra Full Moon of 2026. As the second Full Moon in May, it earns the title Blue Moon. It’s not usually blue in color, but it’s a rare calendar alignment that makes the year feel a little special.
Why is it called a Blue Moon? In modern usage, a Blue Moon refers to the second Full Moon in a calendar month. The expression “once in a blue moon” later became a common way to describe something rare or infrequent, though the exact origins of the phrase remain uncertain and somewhat tangled.
Moonlitt makes it easy to spot second-in-a-month Full Moons like this without having to do the calendar math yourself.
June 30, 2026 – Strawberry Moon
The Strawberry Moon arrives at the start of summer, traditionally associated with ripening fruit and brighter, warmer evenings. It has an easy, social feel, perfect for late walks spent looking up.
June 30, 2026 – Strawberry Moon
The Strawberry Moon arrives at the start of summer, traditionally associated with ripening fruit and brighter, warmer evenings. It has an easy, social feel, perfect for late walks spent looking up.
June 30, 2026 – Strawberry Moon
The Strawberry Moon arrives at the start of summer, traditionally associated with ripening fruit and brighter, warmer evenings. It has an easy, social feel, perfect for late walks spent looking up.
July 29, 2026 – Buck Moon
The Buck Moon reflects midsummer energy: lively nights, lingering daylight, and a subtle restlessness in the air. Its name comes from the period when deer begin growing new antlers.
For a dramatic “big Moon” effect, Moonlitt can help you time moonrise and align it with a skyline, hill, or landmark.
July 29, 2026 – Buck Moon
The Buck Moon reflects midsummer energy: lively nights, lingering daylight, and a subtle restlessness in the air. Its name comes from the period when deer begin growing new antlers.
For a dramatic “big Moon” effect, Moonlitt can help you time moonrise and align it with a skyline, hill, or landmark.
July 29, 2026 – Buck Moon
The Buck Moon reflects midsummer energy: lively nights, lingering daylight, and a subtle restlessness in the air. Its name comes from the period when deer begin growing new antlers.
For a dramatic “big Moon” effect, Moonlitt can help you time moonrise and align it with a skyline, hill, or landmark.
August 28, 2026 – Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon arrives in late summer and is historically tied to abundance in lakes and rivers. It carries a sense of fullness, as if the season has reached its richest point just before turning.
This is an excellent Full Moon for reflections if you’re near water. Moonlitt’s map and Moon Arc tools can help predict when the Moon will appear above nearby lakes or coastlines.
This Full Moon is accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse. Unlike a total eclipse, it won’t produce a true Blood Moon, but subtle shading may still be visible. Visibility and timing are available in Moonlitt’s Eclipse section.
August 28, 2026 – Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon arrives in late summer and is historically tied to abundance in lakes and rivers. It carries a sense of fullness, as if the season has reached its richest point just before turning.
This is an excellent Full Moon for reflections if you’re near water. Moonlitt’s map and Moon Arc tools can help predict when the Moon will appear above nearby lakes or coastlines.
This Full Moon is accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse. Unlike a total eclipse, it won’t produce a true Blood Moon, but subtle shading may still be visible. Visibility and timing are available in Moonlitt’s Eclipse section.
August 28, 2026 – Sturgeon Moon
The Sturgeon Moon arrives in late summer and is historically tied to abundance in lakes and rivers. It carries a sense of fullness, as if the season has reached its richest point just before turning.
This is an excellent Full Moon for reflections if you’re near water. Moonlitt’s map and Moon Arc tools can help predict when the Moon will appear above nearby lakes or coastlines.
This Full Moon is accompanied by a partial lunar eclipse. Unlike a total eclipse, it won’t produce a true Blood Moon, but subtle shading may still be visible. Visibility and timing are available in Moonlitt’s Eclipse section.
September 26, 2026 – Harvest and Corn Moon
The Corn Moon carries harvest-season meaning: gathering, golden fields, and the first cool hints of autumn. It’s calm but powerful, closely tied to agricultural rhythms.
The Harvest Moon shifts from year to year. It’s defined as the Full Moon closest to the autumn equinox, marking the transition into the harvest season. Moonlitt makes it easy to see when it occurs each year.
September 26, 2026 – Harvest and Corn Moon
The Corn Moon carries harvest-season meaning: gathering, golden fields, and the first cool hints of autumn. It’s calm but powerful, closely tied to agricultural rhythms.
The Harvest Moon shifts from year to year. It’s defined as the Full Moon closest to the autumn equinox, marking the transition into the harvest season. Moonlitt makes it easy to see when it occurs each year.
September 26, 2026 – Harvest and Corn Moon
The Corn Moon carries harvest-season meaning: gathering, golden fields, and the first cool hints of autumn. It’s calm but powerful, closely tied to agricultural rhythms.
The Harvest Moon shifts from year to year. It’s defined as the Full Moon closest to the autumn equinox, marking the transition into the harvest season. Moonlitt makes it easy to see when it occurs each year.
October 26, 2026 – Hunter Moon
Traditionally linked to the period after harvest, the Hunter Moon reflects a time when fields are clear and moonlight aids evening hunts. It feels sharper and more focused, as the season tightens toward winter.
Bare branches and misty backgrounds often give October Full Moons a naturally cinematic look.
October 26, 2026 – Hunter Moon
Traditionally linked to the period after harvest, the Hunter Moon reflects a time when fields are clear and moonlight aids evening hunts. It feels sharper and more focused, as the season tightens toward winter.
Bare branches and misty backgrounds often give October Full Moons a naturally cinematic look.
October 26, 2026 – Hunter Moon
Traditionally linked to the period after harvest, the Hunter Moon reflects a time when fields are clear and moonlight aids evening hunts. It feels sharper and more focused, as the season tightens toward winter.
Bare branches and misty backgrounds often give October Full Moons a naturally cinematic look.
November 24, 2026 – Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon marks a seasonal shift into preparation mode. Historically, it’s associated with the time when beavers reinforce their dams in anticipation of winter. Symbolically, it’s about building, storing, and finishing what needs to be done.
This year’s Beaver Moon is also a Supermoon, meaning it appears larger and brighter than usual. Moonlitt can show you other upcoming Supermoon and Micromoon dates as well.
November 24, 2026 – Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon marks a seasonal shift into preparation mode. Historically, it’s associated with the time when beavers reinforce their dams in anticipation of winter. Symbolically, it’s about building, storing, and finishing what needs to be done.
This year’s Beaver Moon is also a Supermoon, meaning it appears larger and brighter than usual. Moonlitt can show you other upcoming Supermoon and Micromoon dates as well.
November 24, 2026 – Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon marks a seasonal shift into preparation mode. Historically, it’s associated with the time when beavers reinforce their dams in anticipation of winter. Symbolically, it’s about building, storing, and finishing what needs to be done.
This year’s Beaver Moon is also a Supermoon, meaning it appears larger and brighter than usual. Moonlitt can show you other upcoming Supermoon and Micromoon dates as well.
December 24, 2026 – Cold Moon
The Cold Moon arrives as winter deepens, bringing long nights and a quieter atmosphere. It’s a reflective Full Moon, one that makes landscapes feel more still and sharply defined.
If you like reminders, Moonlitt can notify you before the Full Moon, so you don’t realize it happened the day after.
December 24, 2026 – Cold Moon
The Cold Moon arrives as winter deepens, bringing long nights and a quieter atmosphere. It’s a reflective Full Moon, one that makes landscapes feel more still and sharply defined.
If you like reminders, Moonlitt can notify you before the Full Moon, so you don’t realize it happened the day after.
December 24, 2026 – Cold Moon
The Cold Moon arrives as winter deepens, bringing long nights and a quieter atmosphere. It’s a reflective Full Moon, one that makes landscapes feel more still and sharply defined.
If you like reminders, Moonlitt can notify you before the Full Moon, so you don’t realize it happened the day after.
Thirteen Full Moons give 2026 an extra rhythm, as if the calendar itself has added a subtle beat.
Whether you’re tracking the curiosity of a Blue Moon, planning moonlit photoshoots, or simply collecting small reasons to step outside, following the lunar cycle can make the year feel quietly more memorable.
If you’d like this same list adjusted to your exact local time, with visibility details and a preview of what’s coming next, Moonlitt makes it easy. Save this page as a reference, and use Moonlitt when you want the details to match the sky above you.
December 17th, 2025
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