Quick Read
- A Full Moon happens when Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.
- Each 2025 Full Moon has a traditional name tied to nature and culture.
- The 2025 schedule includes three Super Moons: October, November, and December.
The Full Moon is one of nature’s most consistent spectacles, casting silver light across the night sky and stirring human curiosity for centuries. In 2025, each Full Moon not only marks a point in the lunar cycle but also carries a story—woven from tradition, science, and personal meaning.
So, what exactly is a Full Moon? Scientifically speaking, it’s the moment when Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, allowing sunlight to fully illuminate the lunar surface visible from our planet (Astronomy.com). This alignment happens roughly every 29.5 days, giving us a monthly opportunity to witness the Moon at its brightest.
But the Full Moon is more than just a celestial event. Each month’s Full Moon has a unique name, reflecting centuries of cultural observation. These names—like the Wolf Moon or Sturgeon Moon—offer a glimpse into the way humans have tracked time and nature’s cycles. Many of these titles originate from Native American, Colonial American, or other North American traditions, drawing on seasonal events and agricultural milestones.
- Wolf Moon (January): Named for the howls of hungry wolves during winter’s leanest months.
- Snow Moon (February): A nod to the season’s frequent heavy snowfall.
- Worm Moon (March): Signals the thawing earth and the return of earthworms.
- Pink Moon (April): Celebrates the blooming wildflowers, notably the pink phlox.
- Flower Moon (May): Marks the full bloom of spring flora.
- Strawberry Moon (June): Coincides with the prime strawberry harvest.
- Buck Moon (July): Honors the period when new antlers appear on male deer.
- Sturgeon Moon (August): Named for the sturgeon fish, abundant in late summer. Native Americans near the Great Lakes traditionally caught these giant fish, making them a staple food at this time (AOL/USA TODAY).
- Corn Moon (September): Indicates the corn harvest season.
- Hunter’s Moon (October): Marks the time for hunting ahead of winter.
- Beaver Moon (November): Reflects the busy beavers building their winter dams.
- Cold Moon (December): Evokes the chill of winter’s onset.
Beyond these, certain Full Moons gain additional labels. A Super Moon occurs when the Full Moon is near perigee—the closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes it appear larger and brighter than usual. In 2025, the October, November, and December Full Moons will all be Super Moons (Astronomy.com). There’s also the Blue Moon, which is the second Full Moon in a single calendar month—a rare event that adds a touch of novelty to the lunar calendar.
For those eager to plan their lunar viewing, here’s the 2025 Full Moon schedule (Eastern Time):
- Monday, Jan. 13 – Wolf Moon
- Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Snow Moon
- Friday, March 14 – Worm Moon
- Saturday, April 12 – Pink Moon
- Monday, May 12 – Flower Moon
- Wednesday, June 11 – Strawberry Moon
- Thursday, July 10 – Buck Moon
- Saturday, Aug. 9 – Sturgeon Moon
- Sunday, Sept. 7 – Corn Moon
- Monday, Oct. 6 – Hunter’s Moon (Super Moon)
- Wednesday, Nov. 5 – Beaver Moon (Super Moon)
- Thursday, Dec. 4 – Cold Moon (Super Moon)
Each Full Moon phase lasts only a moment astronomically, but to our eyes, the Moon appears full for two to three nights. The lunar cycle itself consists of eight primary phases: New Moon, waxing crescent, First Quarter, waxing gibbous, Full Moon, waning gibbous, Last Quarter, and waning crescent. This reliable rhythm has helped humans predict tides, track months, and even guide agricultural planning.
Speaking of tides, the Full Moon’s gravitational pull works in tandem with the Sun’s during this alignment, producing “spring tides.” These tides swing to their highest and lowest points—an invisible but powerful effect on Earth’s waters.
Curious about the Sturgeon Moon? This August event is steeped in history, named for the prehistoric sturgeon fish that once thrived in North America’s Great Lakes. Even if you missed the official peak, the Full Moon remains bright for a night or two after, making it a forgiving spectacle for stargazers (AOL/USA TODAY). To catch the best views, check local moonrise and moonset times and consider using binoculars or a telescope for a closer look at lunar features.
The Full Moon doesn’t just affect our environment—it’s a backdrop for personal reflection and tradition. Many cultures and individuals mark Full Moon nights with rituals, storytelling, or simply gathering outside to watch the sky. In January 2026, the first Full Moon will be a Super Moon, coinciding with astrological shifts and personal forecasts for the New Year (ELLE). Whether you’re making resolutions, reflecting on relationships, or simply marveling at the cosmic show, the Full Moon offers a moment of connection—between earth, sky, and the stories we tell.
As the year unfolds, keep an eye out for the subtle differences each Full Moon brings—be it a warmer glow, a larger-than-life appearance, or a name that echoes from generations past. The cycle continues, steadfast and illuminating, reminding us that even as the world changes, some rhythms remain timeless.
The enduring allure of the Full Moon lies not just in its brightness, but in the way it bridges science and culture, the personal and the cosmic. Each lunar phase invites us to pause, look up, and find our place in the story of the sky.