Moon Phases 2026: Full Moon Calendar & Lunar Cycle Guide
Complete 2026 full moon calendar with dates, traditional names, and lunar cycle explanations. Plan activities around the moon phases.
The moon has captivated humanity for millennia, guiding everything from ancient agricultural calendars to modern tidal predictions. In 2026, the lunar cycle continues with twelve full moons, each carrying traditional names rooted in Native American and Colonial American folklore.
Our moon phase calculator can instantly determine the exact phase for any date.
Understanding the Lunar Cycle
The lunar cycle spans approximately 29.53 days from one new moon to the next. The moon doesn't produce light - we see sunlight reflected off its surface as the angle between sun, Earth, and moon changes.
2026 Full Moon Calendar
- January 13 - Wolf Moon: Named for winter wolf howls
- February 12 - Snow Moon: Heaviest snowfall month
- March 14 - Worm Moon: Earthworms emerge from thawing ground
- April 12 - Pink Moon: Early spring phlox blooms
- May 12 - Flower Moon: Abundant wildflowers
- June 11 - Strawberry Moon: Strawberry harvest season
- July 10 - Buck Moon: Male deer grow new antlers
- August 9 - Sturgeon Moon: Sturgeon fishing season
- September 7 - Harvest Moon: Extended evening light for farming
- October 7 - Hunter's Moon: Hunting season begins
- November 5 - Beaver Moon: Beaver trapping season
- December 4 - Cold Moon: Deep winter arrives
The Eight Lunar Phases
- New Moon: 0% illuminated, invisible
- Waxing Crescent: 1-49%, right side grows
- First Quarter: 50% right side lit
- Waxing Gibbous: 51-99%, approaching full
- Full Moon: 100% illuminated
- Waning Gibbous: 99-51%, left side bright
- Last Quarter: 50% left side lit
- Waning Crescent: 49-1%, final sliver
Moon and Tides
Spring Tides (new and full moons): Highest highs and lowest lows as sun and moon align.
Neap Tides (quarter moons): Moderate tides as forces partially cancel.
2026 Lunar Eclipses
- March 3: Total lunar eclipse (Americas, Europe, Africa)
- August 28: Partial lunar eclipse (Pacific, Asia, Australia)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some years have 13 full moons?
Since the lunar cycle is 29.53 days, occasionally two full moons fall in one month. The second is called a "blue moon."
Does the full moon affect human behavior?
Despite popular belief, scientific studies find no consistent evidence linking moon phases to behavior, birth rates, or emergency room visits.
What's the best moon phase for stargazing?
New moon and surrounding days offer darkest skies with no moonlight to obscure faint stars.
Track the Moon
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