When is the next full moon? See lunar event calendar
Missed the last full moon? Prepare for upcoming full moons: the Beaver Moon, Cold Moon, Wolf Moon, Snow Moon and Worm Moon. See the dates for each.
We’ve already seen some beautiful astronomical phenomena this year, from the northern lights to the Leonid meteor shower that’s about to peak. Add the December full moon, the final supermoon of the year, to the mix.
When is the December full moon? What makes it a supermoon? How did it get its name? Here’s more on the December full moon.
When is the December 2025 full moon?
The December full moon, known as the cold moon, will reach peak illumination on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 6:14 p.m. ET, according to Space.com.
Is the December full moon a supermoon?
There are three supermoons in 2025, with two already visible in October and November.
December’s full moon will be the third and final supermoon of the year.
When will be the best time to see the December supermoon?
The best time to view the full moon is when it is at its peak on Dec. 4 at 6:14 p.m., but it will appear full all night and even for a couple of days afterward.
What is a supermoon?
The December full moon will be a supermoon, appearing bigger and brighter than a usual full moon.
Why?
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s elliptical orbit brings it closer to Earth, known as its perigee, according to NASA. The full moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon when it reaches its closest point in orbit.
What phase of the lunar cycle is the moon in now?
As of Nov. 18, the moon is in its new moon phase at 2% illumination, according to Space.com.
Here are the moon phases for the December full moon, per Moon Giant:
- First quarter: Nov. 28
- Full moon: Dec. 4
- Last quarter: Dec. 11
- New moon: Dec. 20
What is the December moon called? More about the cold moon
December’s full moon is known as the cold moon. Full moon names are traditionally attributed to Native American observations, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Why did the Native Americans call the December full moon the cold moon?
Why is December’s full moon called the cold moon?
The name “cold moon” comes from a Mohawk name that represents the chilly weather at this time of year.
When is the January 2026 full moon? What is it called?
The January full moon, known as the wolf moon, will peak on Sat., Jan. 3, 2026. It will be a supermoon and the first full moon of the new year.
