Many cultures, including Native Americans in the northern and eastern United States, used the lunar cycle as a method of timekeeping and gave distinctive names to each recurring full moon. These names were often applied to the entire month in which the full moon occurred and reflected seasonal changes or animal behaviours. European settlers also had their own full moon names.
Why do full moons have names? Full moon names provide a connection to ancient traditions and natural events, allowing us to mark the passage of time in a way that resonates with the natural world.
What is the most famous full moon? The Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox, is likely the most well-known. It can occur in either September or October. Because the lunar month is roughly 29.5 days long, the dates of the full moon shift each year.
The following list includes full moon names, dates, and times (Eastern Time) for a twelve-month period. Note that the specific date and time of a full moon will vary based on your location and the current year. To determine “is it a full moon tonight,” you would need to consult a current lunar calendar or a resource like timeanddate.com.
Jan. 13: Full Wolf Moon
Jan. 13, 5:27 p.m. EDT (2227 GMT)
This full moon is named for the wolf packs that howled amid the cold and snow of midwinter. It was also known as the Old Moon or the Moon After Yule. Other names include the Cold Moon and the Centre Moon.
Feb. 12: Full Snow Moon
Feb. 12, 8:53 a.m. EST (1353 GMT)
February’s heavy snows made hunting difficult, leading to names like the Full Hunger Moon. Alternative names include the Bear Moon and the Bald Eagle Moon. This time of year often presented challenges for survival, making the full moon a significant marker in the annual cycle.
March 14: Full Worm Moon
March 14, 2:55 a.m. EDT (0755 GMT)
As the ground softens, earthworms reappear, signifying the return of spring. This moon is also known as the Full Crow Moon, the Full Crust Moon, and the Full Sap Moon. These names highlight the transition from winter to spring, with thawing snow and the tapping of maple trees.
April 12: Full Pink Moon
April 12, 8:22 p.m. EDT (0122 GMT on April 13)
Named for the early spring blooms of wild ground phlox, this moon is also called the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Full Fish Moon. This is the first full moon of spring and holds significance for new beginnings.
May 12: Full Flower Moon
May 12, 12:56 p.m. EDT (1756 GMT)
With flowers in abundance, this moon is aptly named the Full Flower Moon. It was also known as the Full Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon, signifying the burgeoning fertility of the season.
June 11: Full Strawberry Moon
June 11, 3:44 a.m. EDT (0844 GMT)
This moon marked the time for harvesting strawberries. Other names include the Berries Ripen Moon, Birth Moon, Green Corn Moon, and the Hatching Moon.
Subsequent Full Moons
There are full moons every month, each with its unique name. The names often reflect the seasonal changes and natural events occurring during that time. Consulting a lunar calendar for the current year will allow you to definitively answer the question “is it a full moon tonight?”.