When is the Cold Moon in 2026?

The Cold Moon reaches full phase on December 24, 2026. It rises around sunset that evening and is visible through the night.

Why is it called the Cold Moon?

The name comes from traditional North American almanac usage: it is named for the long, cold nights of the year's end. The names were a way to track the seasons by the monthly full moon.

Is the Cold Moon a supermoon?

Yes. At 357,156 km it reaches full phase near perigee, the closest point of the Moon's orbit, so it appears slightly larger and brighter than an average full moon.

What is a full moon, exactly?

A full moon is the moment the Moon sits opposite the Sun, so the entire Earth-facing side is sunlit. It happens once per roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle and looks full to the eye for about a night on either side.

Cold Moon December 24, 2026Supermoon

When the Cold 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 2026-12-24 12:00:00+00:00. (Frame: 8581)

Rendering: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

Full moon: December 24, 2026
Illumination: 100%
Distance: 356,668 km
Apparent size: supermoon

View score: Excellent

A premier night to look up, sky permitting.

100% illuminated
supermoon — larger, brighter disc

About the Cold Moon

The Cold Moon reaches full phase on December 24, 2026. It is the full moon of December, named for the long, cold nights of the year's end.

Full moon is the point in the roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle when the Moon sits opposite the Sun in the sky, so its Earth-facing side is fully lit. It rises around sunset, climbs highest near midnight, and sets near sunrise — visible all night, weather permitting.

How to see the Cold Moon

At 357,156 km from Earth, the Cold Moon is a supermoon — it reaches full phase near perigee, the closest point of the Moon's orbit, so it looks slightly larger and noticeably brighter than an average full moon.

For the best view, find the eastern horizon shortly after sunset on December 24, 2026; the Moon looks largest and most colorful when it is low, an illusion created by foreground landmarks. No equipment is needed, though binoculars sharpen the craters along the day–night line on the nights just before and after.

Frequently asked

When is the Cold Moon in 2026?: The Cold Moon reaches full phase on December 24, 2026. It rises around sunset that evening and is visible through the night.
Why is it called the Cold Moon?: The name comes from traditional North American almanac usage: it is named for the long, cold nights of the year's end. The names were a way to track the seasons by the monthly full moon.
Is the Cold Moon a supermoon?: Yes. At 357,156 km it reaches full phase near perigee, the closest point of the Moon's orbit, so it appears slightly larger and brighter than an average full moon.
What is a full moon, exactly?: A full moon is the moment the Moon sits opposite the Sun, so the entire Earth-facing side is sunlit. It happens once per roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle and looks full to the eye for about a 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
Beaver MoonNovember 24

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