December Supermoon: Last full moon of the year - best time, place and how to watch

Skywatchers have one final chance this year to watch a dazzling lunar spectacle, the Cold Supermoon, which will arrive on December 4, 2025. As the last supermoon of the year, it’s anticipated to glow brighter and seem to be larger than a normal full moon, making it a noteworthy sight for astronomy enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike.

Why This Supermoon Is Special

The Cold Moon is notable as it coincides with the moon’s nearest point to Earth. A supermoon occurs when a full moon aligns with perigee, resulting in the lunar disk to appear extra bright. This “cold moon” will sit roughly 221,965 miles from Earth, according to USA Today, offering it a noticeably larger look.

The name “Cold Moon” traditionally signals the arrival of winter and long, dark nights near the solstice. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this lunar spectacle will reach its maximum illumination at 6:15 p.m. EST on Dec. 4, though it will seem to be full on both Wednesday and Friday nights.

NASA Explains What Defines a Supermoon

NASA point out to viewers that:

"Different publications use slightly different thresholds for deciding when a full moon is close enough to the Earth to qualify as a supermoon," adding that "Because the orbit of the moon is not a perfect circle, the moon is sometimes closer to the Earth than at other times during its orbit."

These distinctions mean different organizations may list various dates for supermoons, but all agree that the impressive visual effect when the moon moves closest to Earth.

A Winter Tradition and Historical Names

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Cold Moon was also known by the Mohicans as the “long night moon,” showing the intense winter darkness of the season.

This December supermoon signals the third and final one of 2025. Looking ahead, the upcoming year will showcase three supermoons, with the initial one appearing on Jan. 3 as the Wolf Moon.

When and How to Watch It

The Cold Supermoon will appear both Wednesday night and Friday night, but the best view is the moment it rises above the horizon on Dec. 4. Moonrise often creates a dramatic visual effect called the moon illusion, where the lunar disk seems to be larger than it truly is.

This celestial spectacle needs no special viewing equipment, just clear skies and a clean view of the horizon.

AP News describes that "Whether a supermoon or not, the moon also appears bigger when it’s close to the horizon because of what’s called the moon illusion. It’s a strange visual trick that experts can’t yet explain."

Astronomer William Alston of the University of Hertfordshire stated, “When you have a supermoon, that effect is just slightly more striking.”

More Full Moons on the Way

Full moons happen every 29 days, sometimes enabling two to appear within a single month. Following December’s Cold Supermoon, the upcoming supermoon is on Jan. 3, 2026, followed by additional two more on Nov. 24 and Dec. 23, 2026.

FAQs:

1. What is a supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when a full moon aligns with the moon’s nearest distance to Earth. This makes it appear larger and brighter than usual.

2. Why is it called the Cold Moon?

The name shows the arrival of winter. Different cultures have used similar seasonal names for centuries.