January heralds the first major lunar event of the year — the full moon that ushers in 2026 with a spectacular display. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just love a reason to look up, this January full moon is one you won’t want to miss.
Let’s explore what it is, when it happens across the USA, and how you can make the most of it.
🗓️ Date & Time: Mark Your Calendar
The full moon in January 2026 — traditionally called the Wolf Moon — reaches its peak illumination on:
📅 January 3, 2026
⏰ 5:03 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) (10:03 UTC)
This is the exact moment the Moon is fully lit as seen from Earth. However, the Moon will look nearly full to the naked eye the evening before and after the peak — meaning you have a great viewing opportunity on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3.
February 2026 Full Moon (Snow Moon)
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 5:09 PM
The Snow Moon reaches peak illumination in the early evening, making it one of the easiest full moons of the year to observe without staying up late. This timing allows viewers across the U.S. to see the Moon rise already full shortly after sunset.
Best viewing: Evening of February 1
Why it matters: Excellent visibility for casual observers and beginners
March 2026 Full Moon (Worm Moon)
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 6:38 AM
The March full moon, known as the Worm Moon, marks the seasonal transition toward spring. While the peak happens in the morning, the Moon will look full the entire night before.
This full moon is also astronomically significant because it coincides with a total lunar eclipse, making March 2026 especially important for lunar observers.
Best viewing: Night of March 2
Special note: Eclipse visibility depends on location
Also Read: What Are the Northern Lights? The Complete Guide to Nature’s Most Beautiful Mystery
April 2026 Full Moon (Pink Moon)
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 10:12 PM
The Pink Moon occurs late at night, offering excellent viewing conditions well after sunset. Despite its name, the Moon does not actually appear pink; the name comes from seasonal wildflowers that bloom in early spring.
Best viewing: Late evening of April 1
Ideal for: Night photography and clear spring skies
May 2026 Full Moons (Flower Moon & Blue Moon)
First Full Moon — Flower Moon
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 1:23 PM
This daytime peak means the Moon will look full on the night of April 30 and May 1.
Second Full Moon — Blue Moon
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 4:45 AM
May 2026 is unique because it has two full moons, making the second one a Blue Moon (defined as the second full moon in a single calendar month).
Why this matters: Blue Moons are relatively rare and popular among moon enthusiasts.
June 2026 Full Moon (Strawberry Moon)
Date: Monday, June 29, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 7:57 PM
The Strawberry Moon peaks shortly after sunset, offering near-perfect viewing conditions across the United States. Summer full moons often appear lower in the sky and take on a warm, golden hue.
Best viewing: Evening of June 29
Great for: Outdoor events and summer photography
July 2026 Full Moon (Buck Moon)
Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 10:36 AM
Although the peak happens during the morning, the Moon will appear full on the night of July 28. This full moon is called the Buck Moon, named after the period when deer grow new antlers.
Best viewing: Night of July 28
Viewing tip: Warm nights make extended observation comfortable
August 2026 Full Moon (Sturgeon Moon)
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 12:19 AM
The Sturgeon Moon peaks just after midnight, meaning viewers can enjoy a fully illuminated Moon for most of the night. This full moon also coincides with a partial lunar eclipse, depending on location.
Best viewing: Late night August 27 into early August 28
September 2026 Full Moon (Harvest Moon)
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 12:49 PM
The Harvest Moon is traditionally the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. It rises soon after sunset for several consecutive nights, providing extended evening light.
Best viewing: Night of September 25
Why it’s special: Long moonlit evenings
October 2026 Full Moon (Hunter’s Moon)
Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 12:12 AM
The Hunter’s Moon peaks shortly after midnight and is known for its bright presence in the autumn sky. It follows the Harvest Moon and historically helped hunters track prey after sunset.
Best viewing: Late night, October 25
November 2026 Full Moon (Beaver Moon)
Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 9:54 AM
The Beaver Moon occurs during daylight hours, but it will still appear full on the surrounding nights. Some sources also classify this as a supermoon, adding to its visual appeal.
Best viewing: Night of November 23
Also Read: Purnima Fasting Rules: A Complete Guide to Fasting on Full Moon Days
December 2026 Full Moon (Cold Moon)
Date: Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Peak Time (ET): 8:28 PM
The Cold Moon is the final full moon of 2026 and peaks during the evening, making it easy to observe without staying up late. Winter skies often provide crisp visibility, weather permitting.
Best viewing: Evening of December 23
Perfect for: Year-end skywatching and photography
Quick Summary: Full Moons in 2026 (U.S. Time)
- January: Jan 3 — Wolf Moon
- February: Feb 1 — Snow Moon
- March: Mar 3 — Worm Moon (Eclipse)
- April: Apr 1 — Pink Moon
- May: May 1 & May 31 — Flower Moon & Blue Moon
- June: Jun 29 — Strawberry Moon
- July: Jul 29 — Buck Moon
- August: Aug 28 — Sturgeon Moon
- September: Sep 26 — Harvest Moon
- October: Oct 26 — Hunter’s Moon
- November: Nov 24 — Beaver Moon
- December: Dec 23 — Cold Moon
Final Thoughts
Knowing the full moon dates in 2026 according to U.S. time helps you plan everything from photography and astronomy sessions to cultural traditions and personal routines.
Remember, even if the peak occurs during the day, the Moon will still look full for an entire night before and after the exact time.