When is the next full moon in the US? Here's the complete 2026 full moon schedule

Louisville skywatchers will have plenty of reasons to look up in 2026. The new year brings 12 full moons, each tied to seasonal traditions and familiar names. From winter’s Wolf Moon to December’s Cold Moon, several nights will shine brighter than usual. Here’s what to know.

ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Franz Kafka: 'Start with what is right rather than…'— Top quotes by the Absurdist fiction novelist

How many full moons will Louisville see in 2026?

Stargazers and astronomers in Louisville can expect 12 full moons throughout 2026. Each one marks a different point in the seasonal calendar and carries a name passed down through tradition. Some may look bigger or brighter than others, depending on the moon’s distance from Earth at the time, as per a report by The Courier Journal.


ALSO READ: End of an era: Beloved theme park Dollywood announces immediate closure after 64 years

What are the full moon dates and names?

The year begins with the Wolf Moon on Jan. 3 at 5:03 a.m., followed by the Snow Moon on Feb. 1 at 5:09 p.m. March brings the Worm Moon on March 3 at 6:38 a.m., and April’s Pink Moon arrives April 1 at 10:12 p.m, as per a report by The Courier Journal.

ALSO READ: JD Vance unleashes blistering message at Nick Fuentes after racist attacks on wife Usha

May features two full moons: the Flower Moon on May 1 at 1:23 p.m. and a Blue Moon on May 31 at 4:45 a.m. Summer continues with the Strawberry Moon on June 29 at 7:57 p.m. and the Buck Moon on July 29 at 10:36 a.m.

Late summer and fall include the Sturgeon Moon on Aug. 28 at 12:18 a.m., the Harvest Moon on Sept. 26 at 12:49 a.m., and the Hunter’s Moon on Oct. 26 at 12:12 a.m. The Beaver Moon follows on Nov. 24 at 9:53 a.m., with the Cold Moon closing out the year on Dec. 23 at 8:28 p.m, as per a report by The Courier Journal.

ALSO READ:What’s open and closed on Christmas 2025—here's what you need to know before you step out

How can you spot stars and planets nearby?

Several free astronomy apps can help locate stars, planets, and constellations around each full moon.

FAQs

When is the first full moon of 2026?
The Wolf Moon appears Jan. 3 at 5:03 a.m.

Does 2026 include a Blue Moon?
Yes, a Blue Moon occurs on May 31.