For daily wit & wisdom, get the Almanac newsletter.
The Old Farmer's Almanac Best Days by Activity for 2026
Here are the 2026 BEST DAYS from The Old Farmer's Almanac—listed 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!
| Activity | Best Days |
|---|---|
| Bake | Aug 9, Aug 10 |
| Begin Diet to Gain Weight | Aug 15, Aug 20 |
| Begin Logging | Aug 23, Aug 24 |
| Begin a Diet to Lose Weight | Aug 3, Aug 7 |
| Breed Animals | Aug 18, Aug 19 |
| Brew Beer or Cider | Aug 18, Aug 19 |
| Can or Pickle Vegetables and Fruit | Aug 1, Aug 2, Aug 29 |
| Castrate Animals | Aug 25, Aug 26, Aug 27 |
| Color Hair | Aug 5, Aug 6 |
| Cut Hair to Discourage Growth | Aug 5, Aug 6 |
| Cut Hair to Encourage Growth | Aug 15, Aug 16, Aug 17 |
| Cut Hay | Aug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31 |
| Destroy Pests and Weeds | Aug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31 |
| Dry Fruit, Vegetables, or Meat | Aug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31 |
| End Projects | Aug 11 |
| Get Married | Aug 15, Aug 16, Aug 17 |
| Go Camping | Aug 20, Aug 21, Aug 22 |
| Graft or Pollinate | Aug 9, Aug 10 |
| Harvest Aboveground Crops | Aug 13, Aug 14 |
| Harvest Belowground Crops | Aug 5, Aug 6 |
| Have Dental Care | Aug 13, Aug 14 |
| Make Jams or Jellies | Aug 1, Aug 2, Aug 28, Aug 29 |
| Make Sauerkraut | Aug 1, Aug 2, Aug 29 |
| Move to a New Home | Aug 7, Aug 8 |
| Pick Fruit | Aug 13, Aug 14 |
| Plant Aboveground Crops | Aug 18, Aug 19 |
| Plant Belowground Crops | Aug 9, Aug 10 |
| Potty-Train Children | Aug 3, Aug 7 |
| Prune to Discourage Growth | Aug 3, Aug 4, Aug 30, Aug 31 |
| Prune to Encourage Growth | Aug 20, Aug 21, Aug 22 |
| Quit Smoking | Aug 3, Aug 7 |
| Set Posts or Pour Concrete | Aug 23, Aug 24 |
| Slaughter Livestock | Aug 18, Aug 19 |
| Start Projects | Aug 13 |
| Straighten Hair | Aug 20, Aug 21, Aug 22 |
| Travel | Aug 11, Aug 12 |
| Wean Calves | Aug 3, Aug 7 |
| Wean Children | Aug 3, Aug 7 |
