When is the Beaver Moon in 2026?

The Beaver Moon reaches full phase on November 24, 2026. It rises near sunset and stays in view all night.

Why is it called the Beaver Moon?

Traditional North American almanac usage assigns the name; it marks the time when beavers retreat to lodges for winter. Monthly names marked the seasons.

Is the Beaver Moon a supermoon?

Yes. At 361,262 km it reaches full very near perigee, so the Moon looks a bit larger and brighter than average.

What is a full moon, exactly?

Full moon is the instant the Moon is opposite the Sun, fully lighting the Earth-facing side. That moment happens once each about-29.5-day cycle and looks full for roughly one night on either side.

Beaver Moon November 24, 2026Supermoon

When the Beaver Moon peaks, how far away and how bright it is, and how good the view will be.

An image of the moon, as it would appear on 2026-11-24 12:00:00+00:00. (Frame: 7861)

Rendering: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

Full moon: November 24, 2026
Illumination: 100%
Distance: 361,050 km
Apparent size: supermoon

View score: Excellent

A premier night to look up, sky permitting.

100% illuminated
supermoon — larger, brighter disc

About the Beaver Moon

On November 24, 2026, the Beaver Moon reaches full phase. November’s full moon is named for beavers retreating to lodges before winter.

A full moon occurs about every 29.5 days, when the Moon sits opposite the Sun so its Earth-facing side is fully lit. It rises near sunset, climbs highest around midnight, and sets near sunrise—visible all night if skies are clear.

How to see the Beaver Moon

At 361,262 km from Earth the Beaver Moon is a supermoon: full phase near perigee, the closest point of its orbit, so the lunar disk looks slightly larger and noticeably brighter than average.

Head outside shortly after sunset November 24, 2026, and face east. When the Moon is low, foreground objects make it look larger and more colorful—an optical illusion. No gear is needed, though binoculars reveal craters along the day-night divide on the nights before and after.

Frequently asked

When is the Beaver Moon in 2026?: The Beaver Moon reaches full phase on November 24, 2026. It rises near sunset and stays in view all night.
Why is it called the Beaver Moon?: Traditional North American almanac usage assigns the name; it marks the time when beavers retreat to lodges for winter. Monthly names marked the seasons.
Is the Beaver Moon a supermoon?: Yes. At 361,262 km it reaches full very near perigee, so the Moon looks a bit larger and brighter than average.
What is a full moon, exactly?: Full moon is the instant the Moon is opposite the Sun, fully lighting the Earth-facing side. That moment happens once each about-29.5-day cycle and looks full for roughly one night on either side.

Every full moon in 2026

Wolf MoonJanuary 3
Snow MoonFebruary 1
Worm MoonMarch 3
Pink MoonApril 2
Flower MoonMay 1
Blue MoonMay 31
Strawberry MoonJune 29
Buck MoonJuly 29
Sturgeon MoonAugust 28
Corn MoonSeptember 26
Hunter's MoonOctober 26
Cold MoonDecember 24

See the full 2026 full moon calendar, or the sunset & twilight times for golden-hour planning.