Enjoying Outside! - 2026's Full Moon Exposition!

Kristie Ehrhardt • March 5, 2026

Historically, full moons were used to track seasons and were used as a way of keeping time. They were given significant names based on conditions found in nature during that time. Most of us are probably familiar with some of the names given to specific full moons such as “harvest” moon or “blue” moon but there are lots of others on the calendar - one a month it turns out!

 

According to the final (sadly its the end of an era) Old Farmer’s Almanac for 2026, the full moons were named for Native American traditions or Colonial American sources and passed down from generation to generation. Some of the names are a reflection of nature while some of them are thought to have European origins and were carried to North America by European settlers. Many of the Native American moon names were given to the entire month showing a significant connection to the season of the year and the natural state of the landscape occurring then.

 

Full moons happen about every 29 and a half days but exact timing varies by location and time zone. Most years have twelve full moons but about every 33 months, there are thirteen full moons in a calendar year. This is because our modern calendar year (365.25 days) is longer than 12 lunar cycles (354 days) and over time, that extra quarter of a day adds up and results in an extra full moon. This moon is commonly referred to as a Blue Moon. In case that math isn’t confusing enough, a Blue Moon is also the name given to a second full moon to occur in a single month. Now I’m curious if there’s ever a Blue, Blue Moon?

 

The first full moon of the year, the Wolf Moon, occurred as early in the year as it possibly could on January 1, 2026. This was also the first supermoon (a full moon that appears bigger and brighter than normal because it is closer to the Earth) of the year. It is believed that it became to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were often heard howling during this time. It was originally thought that was because they were hungry during the winter but we now know it’s for social, territorial and hunting ambitions and aspirations.

 

February’s full moon is called the Snow Moon for seemingly obvious reasons. It occurred on February 1, 2026 this year. Usually the shortest month of the year, February is also the month with the heaviest amount of snowfall and on average is the United States snowiest month of the entire year. I’m going to take a not-so-wild guess and say that year is no exception. 


March’s full moon is called the Worm Moon and occurs on March 3, 2026. This full moon is named for the returning earthworms and beetle larvae after winter and symbolizes the return of spring, renewal and rebirth. Bonus material - the Worm Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse this year! Earth’s shadow will gradually glide across the full moon giving it a warm coppery glow. It is completely safe to enjoy this outdoor spectacle without any protective eyewear.


April’s full moon, the first full moon of spring, occurs on April 1, 2026 and is called the Pink Moon. It was named for a native pink North American wildflower called creeping phlox. Creeping phlox is generally in full bloom during the full moon. No joke! Get it? April fools. Anywho, enjoy the Pink Moon.


May actually has two full moons in 2026. The first full moon is called the Flower Moon and can be viewed on May 1 while the second full moon that occurs during a single month is routinely called a Blue Moon. May’s Blue Moon occurs May 31, 2026 and the moon will be at its farthest point from Earth making it look smaller (called a micromoon). The Flower Moon is not surprisingly named for the abundance of wildflowers blooming in May. It seems fitting to have a full moon that occurs on May Day be called a Flower Moon!


The Strawberry Moon occurs in late June and can be viewed on June 29, 2026. Named for the ushering in of summer and customarily associated with the ripening of berries and the beginning of strawberry season. Yum!


The Buck Moon occurs near the end of July and can be seen on July 29, 2026. It is named the Buck Moon because the month of July is when male deer, called bucks, are regrowing their antlers. Each year bucks shed their antlers and regrow bigger and more impressive set of them the next summer.


August’s full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon and will be seen on August 28, 2026. It is named for the huge fish called sturgeon that are native to the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Although once abundant and fairly common, they are relatively rare today. The sturgeon were an integral part of that region's Native American diet.

Here’s the one everyone knows! The Harvest Moon occurs on Spetember 26, 2026 and as its name suggests, signifies the bounty of the harvest. The Harvest Moon conveniently rises shortly after sunset which once helped hard working farmers to be able to work longer days during the busy harvest season. 


October’s bright full moon is called the Hunter Moon. It can be viewed on October 26, 2026 and is the second full moon of autumn. It signifies the shift from the harvest season to the beginning of hunting season and preparing game meat for the winter months.


November’s full moon is the second supermoon of 2026 and is called the Beaver Moon. It will be visible on November 24, 2026 and marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. Named so because November is when beavers are most active building dams and making winter shelters. 


The final full moon of 2026 occurs on December 23, 2026 and is called the Cold Moon (this one seems easy). It is the final supermoon of the year and because it is appearing in dark, winter skies on one of the longest nights of the year, it will not only appear bigger but also seem brighter than a normal full moon. 


You still have a chance to witness the majority of full moons that 2026 is offering. And, because it’s awfully hard to miss a full moon, even in a partly cloudy sky, you have a wonderful opportunity to witness some of Mother Nature’s outdoor exhibits no matter where you are!

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