Full Moon Dates 2026: When Is the Next Full Moon? Places in South Dakota

When is the Next Full Moon?

Find out exactly when the next Full Moon occurs—based on your ZIP code or postal code. The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s Full Moon calendar gives you the precise date and time, plus tips for seeing the Moon at its best. Whether you’re planning a Full Moon activity or just enjoying the view, we’ll also explain what happens during a Full Moon and explore special events like supermoons, micromoons, and total lunar eclipses.

You’ll also find tips on when and how to see the Full Moon at its best—whether you’re planning a Moon-lit walk, fishing or gardening by the Moon, stargazing, or simply enjoying the glow of a bright night sky.

Finding the Next and Previous Full Moon

When you enter your ZIP code (or a Canadian postal code), you will open a personalized Full Moon chart for your location. It shows the next Full Moon, plus all Full Moon dates and times for 2026. You can also look ahead with a five-year calendar across the top.

Full Moon Dates for 2026

If you just want U.S. Eastern Time or GMT, see the table below showing when the Moon is 100% illuminated each month in 2026. For the most accurate results, however, we recommend using the location tool.

How Many Full Moons in a Year?

Most years have 12 Full Moons, corresponding to the traditional Moon names above. About every 33 months, however, there are 13 Full Moons in a year.

This happens because 12 lunar cycles total about 354 days, while our modern Gregorian calendar (a solar calendar) is about 365.25 days long. That roughly 11-day difference adds up over time, resulting in an extra Full Moon—commonly called a Blue Moon.

Full Moons of 2026

January 2026

The Full Wolf Moon occurs on Saturday, January 3, 2026, reaching peak illumination at 5:03 A.M. ET. To the naked eye, the Moon will appear full the night before and after its peak. Bonus: This is the first supermoon of the year. Learn more about the Full Wolf Moon. 

February 2026

February’s Full Snow Moon peaks at 5:09 P.M. ET on Sunday, February 1. Step outside after dusk to see it shining in all its winter glory. Find out why it’s called the Snow Moon in our February Moon Guide.

March 2026

On March 3, at 6:38 A.M. ET, the Full Worm Moon occurs. This year, much of the U.S. and Canada will see a total lunar eclipse, when the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. Western and central regions will have the best view, while eastern areas will see the eclipse’s final stages at dawn. Learn more about the March Total Eclipse of the Moon.

April 2026

Step outside on Wednesday, April 1, to witness April’s Full Pink Moon; we promise, this is no April Fools’ joke! The Full Moon occurs on Wednesday, April 1, at 10:12 P.M. ET. This Paschal Moon marks the first Full Moon of spring. Discover the story behind the “Pink Moon” and its seasonal significance.

May 2026

This year, May brings two full Moons! The Flower Moon occurs on May 1 at 1:23 P.M. ET, followed by a Blue Moon on May 31 at 4:45 A.M. ET. How fitting that the Flower Moon will shine its light on May Day! This Blue Moon also happens near apogee, making it a micromoon.

June 2026

The June Full Moon rises on June 29 at 7:56 P.M. ET, ushering in summer. Known as the Strawberry Moon, it traditionally signals the season of fresh berries. We say, bring out the strawberries and cream for a special dessert tonight! Will the Moon have a pink hue? Read more about the June Full Moon.

July 2026

The Full Buck Moon occus on Wednesday, July 29, at 10:35 A.M. ET. Because it peaks during daylight hours, look for it rising after sunset in the southeast. Learn more about the Full Buck Moon.

August 2026

The Full Sturgeon Moon rises on August 28 at 12:18 A.M. ET. Full Moons rise around sunset and set near sunrise because the Moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky. Use our moonrise and moonset tool to check times for your location. 

September 2026

This year, it's September that brings the famous Harvest Moon on Saturday, September 26 at 12:49 P.M. ET. As the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox, it rises soon after sunset for several nights in a row—helping farmers work late into the evening. Traditionally, September’s Moon is also called the Corn Moon.

October 2026

October's Full Moon falls on the 26th at 12:11 A.M. ET. Known as the Hunter's Moon, it’s the second Full Moon of autumn. Look nearby for Saturn for a beautiful fall sky pairing.

November 2026

The Full Beaver Moon occurs on November 24 and is the second Supermoon of the year! A supermoon happens when the Moon is near perigee—its closest point to Earth—making it appear slightly larger and brighter. 

December 2026

Get ready for a bright, wintry Moon just in time for the holidays! The Full Cold Moon arrives on December 23 at 6:14 P.M. ET. It is the third and final supermoon of 2026, and will appear full the night before and after the 23rd.  What a treat to end the year!

The Full Moon and Lunar Eclipses

Did you know that lunar eclipses occur during a Full Moon? This is when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can turn a coppery red as sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere—often called a Blood Moon. Read more about the "Blood Moon."

How Best to See a Full Moon

Although a Full Moon has a precise moment when it's 100% illuminated, it appears full the night before and after. If clouds interfere one night, try again the next.

Full Moons rise at sunset and set at sunrise! Because the peak time often occurs when the Moon is below the horizon where you live, most observers won’t notice the exact moment it becomes full, so it's not especially important to see it at the exact time!

What is Happening During a Full Moon?

The Moon orbits Earth every 29.5 days. One orbit is called a lunar month. About halfway through this cycle, the Moon sits opposite the Sun, and the entire side facing Earth is illuminated.

Half of the Moon is always lit by the Sun—but during a Full Moon, we see all of that illuminated half at once. Read why it's called the Quarter Moon, not the Half Moon.

Different Kinds of Full Moons

Have you ever noticed that the Full Moon can appear in different colors than bright white? Sometimes, it looks red, orange, yellow, or even pink. In addition, have you observed that the full Moon can appear much larger or smaller than usual? There are reasons this happens. Here is more information about some different types of Moons:

• Blood Moon: A Full Moon during a total lunar eclipse, often appearing red or orange. Read more about what a Blood Moon is (and isn't).
• Supermoon: A Full Moon near perigee, the point in the Moon’s orbit where it is closest to Earth. Technically, it appears slightly larger and brighter.
• Micromoon: The opposite of a supermoon. A full "micromoon" refers to the Moon at its farthest point from Earth, also known as "apogee."
• Blue Moon: The second Full Moon in a calendar month. Find out more about Blue Moons.
• Harvest Moon: The Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox, when sunset and moonrise meet. Read more about the Harvest Moon.

The Full Moon's Role in Our Lives

For centuries, people have tracked seasons, planned crops, and marked religious calendars by the Moon. Full Moons influence animal behavior and may even affect human sleep and health.

Here at The Old Farmer’s Almanac, explore Moon-based traditions such as:

• Planting by the Moon: Old-time farmers swear this results in bigger harvests.
• Fishing by the Moon:  Tides are higher than average during a Full Moon.
• Best Days by the Moon: The Full Moon dates for different activities.