For thousands of years, people have looked to the full moon not just as a celestial spectacle, but as a natural calendar tracking the pace of time.
Long before diaries and digital reminders, lunar cycles helped communities track seasons, harvests, and rituals. The evocative names we still use today are echoes of those ancient traditions. These names are derived from traditions and harvesting practices in the northern hemisphere.
Here’s your month-by-month guide to the full moons of 2026, their traditional names and the stories behind them.
Why 2026 is getting a Blue Moon
There are 13 full moons in a lunar cycle. There is a full moon every 29.53 days in a calendar year. So every 2.7 years, we get a second full moon in a month. This is called a monthly Blue Moon; hence the phrase “once in a blue moon.”
We are getting one in 2026 in May, which has a full moon on 2 May and another on May 31
Are there any Aboriginal full moon names?
Aboriginal lunar calendars are regionally diverse. There isn’t one universal “Aboriginal lunar calendar” because each language group tracks the moon in relation to local seasons, food sources, and ecological changes.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has documented the Indigenous season calendars from around Australia. Explore it here.
Full Moon Calendar for 2026
As mentioned above, we will experience 13 full moons this year. However, although we will have a Blue Moon, there will be no Black Moon in 2026. Black Moons are special kinds of New Moons, so they aren’t visible.
January: Wolf Moon
The year begins with the Wolf Moon, named for the hungry wolves that were often heard howling outside villages during the coldest, hardest part of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, this moon symbolised endurance, survival and community. It’s a reminder that strength often comes from sticking together during lean times.
Read more about the Wolf Moon here.
Alternative names for the January Full Moon:
- Old Moon: So-called as it is the final full moon of winter in some traditions.
- Ice Moon: Reflects the icy winter weather typical in January.
- Winter Moon: As it falls in the heart of winter, the darkest nights.
When is the January Full Moon in Australia?
According to Time and Date, the January Full Moon will reach its peak on 3 January around 9.02 pm AEST.
This year’s January Full Moon is also a supermoon, meaning it will appear noticeably brighter and larger than average.
February: Storm Moon
February’s full moon reflects the reality of deep winter, when snowfall was heaviest, storms were rampant, and food was scarce. Some cultures also call it the Hunger Moon for this reason. Astrologically, it’s associated with patience, rest and resilience. It’s an invitation to slow down rather than push forward.
Alternative names for the February Full Moon:
- Hunger Moon: Historically, it was difficult to hunt during snowy months, hence the name.
- Snow Moon: Named for the stormy, turbulent winter weather.
When is the February Full Moon in Australia?
February’s full moon will reach its peak in Australia on 2 February at 9.09am AEST, during the daytime! However, it should still be a spectacular sight (weather permitting) the night before and after its peak.
March: Crow Moon
As the ground begins to thaw, earthworms reappear, crows caw, bringing the first signs of spring. The Crow or Worm Moon represents renewal and awakening, marking the transition from dormancy to growth. It’s long been seen as a time for setting intentions and fresh starts.
In fact, March was the original first month of the year. That’s why September starts with “sept” (meaning seven), October starts with “oct” (meaning eight), November starts with “nov” (meaning nine), and December starts with “dec” (meaning ten).
Alternative names for the March Full Moon:
- Worm Moon: Signals the return of earthworms, a sign of spring’s arrival.
- Sap Moon: Indicates sap beginning to flow in trees as the weather warms.
- Lenten Moon: Sometimes called for its timing during Lent in Christian tradition.
When is the March full moon visible in Australia?
The March full moon will reach its peak on 3 March at 10.37 pm AEST. However, you should mark your calendars as there will be a Total Lunar Eclipse visible from 3-4 March as well. Meaning that the Moon will be obscured by the Earth’s shadow, which will cast a reddish hue on the Crow Moon.
April: Pink Moon
Despite its name, the Pink Moon doesn’t refer to its colour. Instead, it’s named after pink wildflowers, specifically moss phlox, that bloom in early spring in the northern hemisphere. This moon is linked to rebirth, fertility and optimism, celebrating nature’s re-emergence after winter.
Alternative names for the April Full Moon:
- Sprouting Grass Moon: Marks when grass begins to grow abundantly.
- Egg Moon: Associated with fertility and the start of egg-laying season for birds.
- Fish Moon: Signifies fish returning or spawning in rivers, a cue for fishing.
When is the March full moon visible in Australia?
The April full moon will reach its peak on 2 April at 1.11 pm AEST. However, you will be able to view it either the night before or after.
May: Flower Moon
By May, flowers are blooming in abundance up north, inspiring one of the most literal moon names of the year. The Flower Moon symbolises creativity, beauty and abundance. In folklore, it’s associated with pleasure, love and appreciating life’s small, fleeting joys.
Read more about the Flower Full Moon here.
Alternative names for the May Full Moon:
- Milk Moon: Named for the time of year when cows were historically milked more heavily.
- Planting Moon: Signals the time to sow crops in the agricultural calendar.
When is the May full moon visible in Australia?
The May full moon hits its peak on 2 May at 3:23 am AEST.
May: Blue Moon
As mentioned above, this year we have a 13th moon, the not-so-rare Blue Moon, which occurs every 2.7 years.
There are two different kinds of Blue Moons: one is seasonal (the third full moon in an astronomical season with four full moons), and the other is monthly, when a calendar month has two full moons. This Blue Moon is a monthly one.
This one is extra special because it is also a Micro Full Moon. This occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the Moon’s apogee, i.e., the farthest point from the Earth in its orbit. The opposite of a supermoon, a micromoon appears much smaller in the sky as the Moon is quite literally farther away.
Unfortunately, it won’t actually be blue.
When does the Blue Moon reach its peak in Australia?
The second full moon in May will be at its biggest on 31 May at 6.45 pm AEST.
June: Strawberry Moon
The Strawberry Moon marks the short strawberry-harvesting season in the northern hemisphere. Traditionally, it represents sweetness, reward and the fruits of patience. Many cultures viewed it as a time to celebrate love, relationships and gratitude.
Find out more about the Strawberry Full Moon here.
Alternative names for the June Full Moon:
- Rose Moon: Named for blooming roses and other flowers.
- Hot Moon: Indicates the peak of warmth as summer begins.
- Honey Moon: Historically linked to the honey harvest and sweet gatherings.
When is the June full moon visible in Australia?
The Strawberry Full Moon will reach its peak on 30 June at 9:56 am AEST, so it’s best to do your lunar gazing the night before or after. Like last month, this full moon will be a micro full moon, appearing smaller in the sky.
July: Buck Moon
Named for the time when male deer begin to regrow their antlers, the Buck Moon symbolises strength, regeneration and personal growth. It’s often associated with confidence and stepping into leadership or renewed purpose.
Read more about the Buck Full Moon here.
Alternative names for the July Full Moon:
- Thunder Moon: Named for frequent summer thunderstorms.
- Hay Moon: Marks the season for cutting and gathering hay.
When is the July full moon visible in Australia?
The Buck Full Moon will reach its peak just after midnight on the eastern side of Australia on 30 July at 12.35 am AEST.
August: Sturgeon Moon
This moon takes its name from the sturgeon fish, once plentiful and easiest to catch at this time of year. For many Indigenous communities in North America specifically, it signified sustenance and preparation for the months ahead. Symbolically, it’s linked to perseverance and long-term planning.
Find out more about the Sturgeon Full Moon here.
Alternative names for the August Full Moon:
- Green Corn Moon: Signals the ripening of corn crops.
- Grain Moon: Represents grain harvest time.
When is the August full moon visible in Australia?
The August full moon will reach its peak on 28 August at 2.18 pm AEST in Australia. However, it will be visible at its full expression the night before and after that date.
September: Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is one of the most famous full moons, traditionally lighting the night sky so farmers could continue reaping crops after sunset. It represents completion, gratitude and reaping the rewards of hard work. Astrologically, it’s a moment for reflection and appreciation.
Alternative names for the September Full Moon:
- Barley Moon: Tied to the barley harvest.
- Corn Moon: Refers to the corn harvesting period.
When is the September full moon visible in Australia?
The Harvest Full Moon will peak at 2.49 am AEST on 27 September 2026.
October: Hunter’s Moon
Following the Harvest Moon, the Hunter’s Moon marked the time to hunt and preserve meat for winter. In folklore, it’s associated with strategy, foresight and preparation. It’s also often linked to shedding what’s no longer needed before the quieter months ahead.
Discover more about the Hunter’s Moon here.
Alternative names for the October Full Moon:
- Blood Moon: Sometimes used to describe the reddish hue of the full moon in fall.
- Travel Moon: Named for people travelling during autumn, often to gather supplies or prepare for winter.
When is the October full moon visible in Australia?
The October full moon in 2026 will reach its peak near the end of the month on 26 October at 3.12 pm AEST. However, it will be almost full the night before and after as well for optimum viewing.
November: Beaver Moon
Named for the time when beavers built dams, and traps were set before rivers froze, the Beaver Moon symbolises preparation and home. It’s a moon connected to security, boundaries and tending to your inner and outer sanctuary.
Alternative names for the November Full Moon:
- Frost Moon: Signifies the first frosts of the year.
- Snow Moon: Occasionally also applied to full moons in November due to early winter snow.
When is the November full moon visible in Australia?
According to Time and Date, the full moon will reach its peak at 1.53 am AEST on 25 November.
December: Cold Moon
The Cold Moon reflects the long, dark nights and dropping temperatures of midwinter. Also known as the Oak Moon, it’s associated with introspection, rest and renewal. Traditionally, it marked the closing of the year and a time to reflect before the cycle begins again.
Read more about the Oak Moon here.
Alternative names for the December Full Moon:
- Long Night Moon: Named for the long nights of midwinter.
- Oak Moon: Refers to the time when oak trees are bare, and winter is in full swing. Celts used to do fertility ceremonies under the Oak trees at this time of year.
When is the December full moon visible in Australia?
The last full moon of 2026 will reach its peak on Christmas Eve, 24 December, at 12:28 pm AEST. And just like 2025, the 2026 December full moon will also be a supermoon. Which means we should enjoy a great full moon over Christmas!
