Your 2026 Full Moon Guide

The year 2026 features thirteen full moons, an occurrence that happens roughly every 2.7 years because the lunar month (29.5 days) is shorter than the solar calendar month. Below is the schedule for 2026, including their peak times (Eastern Time), traditional names, and unique astronomical characteristics.

The 2026 Full Moon Calendar

• January 3 (5:03 a.m.): Wolf Moon. This is a Supermoon, meaning it occurs while the Moon is near its closest point to Earth (perigee), making it appear unusually large and bright.

• February 1 (5:09 p.m.): Snow Moon. Traditionally named for the heavy snowfalls common during this mid-winter month.

• March 3 (6:38 a.m.): Worm Moon. This event features a Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon), where the Moon takes on a reddish hue as it passes through Earth’s shadow.

• April 1 (10:12 p.m.): Pink Moon. Named for the pink ground phlox wildflowers that bloom in early spring.

• May 1 (1:23 p.m.): Flower Moon. This is a Micromoon, occurring near the Moon's farthest point from Earth (apogee), which makes it appear slightly smaller.

• May 31 (4:45 a.m.): Blue Moon. As the second full moon in a single calendar month, it is designated a Blue Moon and is also a Micromoon.

• June 29 (7:57 p.m.): Strawberry Moon. Named for the ripening of strawberries, this is the third Micromoon of the year.

• July 29 (10:36 a.m.): Buck Moon. Signifies the time when new antlers emerge on deer.

• August 28 (12:19 a.m.): Sturgeon Moon. This event includes a Partial Lunar Eclipse.

• September 26 (12:49 p.m.): Corn Moon (Harvest Moon). In 2026, the Corn Moon serves as the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox.

• October 26 (12:12 a.m.): Hunter’s Moon. Named for the traditional season of gathering and hunting meat to prepare for winter.

• November 24 (9:54 a.m.): Beaver Moon. This is a Supermoon, emphasizing themes of resourcefulness and grounding.

• December 23 (8:28 p.m.): Cold Moon. The final full moon of the year is also a Supermoon, occurring during the deepening winter chill.

Key Concepts to Understand

Astronomical Phenomena

• Supermoons vs. Micromoons: A Supermoon occurs when the Moon is within approximately 90 percent of its closest distance to Earth, appearing exceptionally luminous. Conversely, a Micromoon occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point, offering a subtler, more distant presence.

• Eclipses: 2026 hosts two lunar eclipses. The Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3 is a powerful moment for themes of release and transformation, while the Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 28 highlights the balance between visibility and obscurity.

• Blue Moon: This rare "extra" moon in May invites reflection on growth that has exceeded expectations and offers a chance to refine intentions set earlier in the season.

Spiritual and Ritual Significance

According to the sources, full moons are often seen as times of Yang energy, calling us to celebrate wins, acknowledge missteps, and bring our internal work into the light.

• Reflection and Release: Many practitioners use these moments to journal, meditate, or perform rituals to release what no longer serves them.

• Naming Traditions: Most names (like Wolf or Strawberry) originate from a blend of Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions to track seasonal changes.

• Physical Effects: While the Moon creates "spring tides" (exceptionally high or low tides) due to its gravitational pull, the sources note that widespread beliefs linking full moons to spikes in crime or psychiatric issues are not supported by modern scientific research.

Following the lunar cycle is like stepping into an ancient dance; while the world around us often moves in straight, hurried lines, the moon moves in a spiral, reminding us that growth and renewal are part of an ongoing conversation between our past experiences and our future selves.