The Old Farmer's Almanac Best Days by Activity for 2026

Here are the 2026 BEST DAYS from The Old Farmer's Almanaclisted by activity. (Or, see Best Days by Date.) 

Find out when to start a diet to lose weight, cut hair to increase growth, plant vegetables, quit smoking, lose weight, potty train, mow grass to slow growth, and more activities, based on the Moon’s sign. The 2026 Best Days Calendar dates are based on several factors, including the position of the Moon in the 12 signs of the Zodiac, as well as the lunar phase. Planetary relationships may also be considered. When positions and/or phases are suitable, tradition says that activities are more likely to yield favorable results.

→ For all 12 months of Best Days, pick up a copy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac!

Best Days by Activity for January 2026
ActivityBest Days
BakeJan 2, Jan 3, Jan 30, Jan 31
Begin Diet to Gain WeightJan 23, Jan 28
Begin LoggingJan 16, Jan 17, Jan 18
Begin a Diet to Lose WeightJan 4, Jan 9, Jan 14
Breed AnimalsJan 11, Jan 12, Jan 13
Brew Beer or CiderJan 11, Jan 12, Jan 13
Can or Pickle Vegetables and FruitJan 11, Jan 12, Jan 13
Castrate AnimalsJan 19, Jan 20
Color HairJan 26, Jan 27
Cut Hair to Discourage GrowthJan 9, Jan 10
Cut Hair to Encourage GrowthJan 26, Jan 27
Cut HayJan 23, Jan 24, Jan 25
Destroy Pests and WeedsJan 23, Jan 24, Jan 25
Dry Fruit, Vegetables, or MeatJan 4, Jan 5, Jan 6
End ProjectsJan 17
Get MarriedJan 9, Jan 10
Go CampingJan 14, Jan 15
Graft or PollinateJan 2, Jan 3, Jan 30, Jan 31
Harvest Aboveground CropsJan 26, Jan 27
Harvest Belowground CropsJan 7, Jan 8
Have Dental CareJan 7, Jan 8
Make Jams or JelliesJan 21, Jan 22
Make SauerkrautJan 11, Jan 12, Jan 13
Move to a New HomeJan 1, Jan 28, Jan 29
Pick FruitJan 7, Jan 8
Plant Aboveground CropsJan 21, Jan 22, Jan 30, Jan 31
Plant Belowground CropsJan 11, Jan 12, Jan 13
Potty-Train ChildrenJan 4, Jan 9, Jan 14
Prune to Discourage GrowthJan 4, Jan 5, Jan 6
Prune to Encourage GrowthJan 23, Jan 24, Jan 25
Quit SmokingJan 4, Jan 9, Jan 14
Set Posts or Pour ConcreteJan 16, Jan 17, Jan 18
Slaughter LivestockJan 11, Jan 12, Jan 13
Start ProjectsJan 19
Straighten HairJan 14, Jan 15
TravelJan 4, Jan 5, Jan 6
Wean CalvesJan 4, Jan 9, Jan 14
Wean Children