The next full Moon, the Full Cold Moon, will occur on December 4, 2025 at 6:16 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (3:16 a.m. PST). This be the thirdsupermoon of three in a row! Our Full Moon Calendar here lists all the full Moon dates, times, and names for this year and next. Share your photos in the comments!

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Note: Times listed are Eastern Standard (or Eastern Daylight when appropriate).

Today's Moon Phase

Waxing Crescent

1% of Full

See More Phases

What Is A Full Moon?

A full Moon is the phase when the Moon appears to be fully illuminated from Earth’s perspective.  

This occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are all in alignment, forming a straight line. The Moon and The Sun are on exact opposite sides of the Earth. From this position, the Sun’s light shines directly onto the portion of the Moon that is visible to us and creates a full, bright circle of light.

This phase comes about 15 days after the New Moon at the approximate midpoint of the lunar cycle (29.5 days). Technically, it is only considered “full” on one specific day. Before and after that, it is either waxing or waning, respectively—no matter how full it appears to be. If you want to get even more technical, it is only “full” for a brief instant. These are the times listed in our calendars.Learn more about the lunar phases.

Traditional And Alternative Names

Full Moon names have their roots in the traditions of North American Native American tribes. These tribes honored the changing seasons by assigning unique names to each one. Interestingly, these captivating names encapsulated the essence of a whole month in which they appeared.

While there might have been some variations in the names from tribe to tribe, a strong sense of consistency resonated among the different regions. On this rich cultural backdrop, European settlers arrived and embraced the custom, weaving in some of their own versions into the tapestry of time.

What Is A Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at least 90% of the way to its perigee position at the same time it is in its “full” or “new” phase. When a new or full Moon happens at the same time as perigee, it is known as an “extreme perigean” supermoon.

Blue Moon

If there are two full Moons in one month, the second one is referred to as a “blue.” (Though it is not blue in color!) On average, this happens every two to three years. However, the original definition for a Blue Moon is the following:When four full Moons occur within any given season, the third one is known as Blue.

A Daytime Full Moon?

As mentioned above, even though the Moon may look full to you a few days before or after the exact time we list above, the Moon is only considered to be full for a brief instant. Peak illumination may occur during the day in some parts of the world.

Lunar Effects on Behavior?

While there’s no real consensus on how lunar phases affect our moods and physical well-being, there are plenty of studies and real-life experiences that blame it for everything from increased crime and injuries to lack of sleep. What do you believe? (Share your experience in the comments below.) 

People often find when they align their energies with the specific lunar phases, they feel more inspired and productive. Tuning into nature and the environment around us has been shown to help us understand ourselves on a deeper level. This is why many people engage in monthly routines for self-care to get in alignment with the cycles of nature in order to gain perspective and reconnect with themselves.

Does The Moon Affect Fishing?

Lunar phases do influence fish activity. Similar to deer, fish are most active during the days leading up to and following a full or new Moon. These periods can be particularly fruitful if moonrise or moonset align with sunrise or sunset.

Saltwater fish are particularly susceptible to the lunar phases, which cause unusually high and low tides. Higher tides may lure fish into new hunting areas, mainly if they coincide with the spawning of prey fish that can be easily traced. Conversely, lower tides might concentrate fish in locations not frequented during average water levels.

What About The Other Lunar Phases?

While full Moons often garner the most attention, the other lunar phases are equally intriguing. How familiar are you with all the phases? Can you identify the one that remains invisible to us? Or distinguish between waxing and waning?

Join The Discussion!

Do you have a favorite name from our Full Moon Calendar here?

What are some things you do to celebrate the Moon?

Share your photos in the comments below!