When is the Wolf Moon in 2026?

The Wolf Moon reaches full phase on January 3, 2026. It rises around sunset that evening and stays visible through the night.

Why is it called the Wolf Moon?

The name comes from traditional North American almanac usage: it is named for wolves heard howling in midwinter. The names were a way to track the seasons by the monthly 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.

Wolf Moon January 3, 2026

When the Wolf 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 2026-01-03 12:00:00+00:00. (Frame: 61)

Rendering: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

Full moon: January 3, 2026
Illumination: 100%
Distance: 362,527 km
Apparent size: average

View score: Excellent

A premier night to look up, sky permitting.

100% illuminated

About the Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon turns full on January 3, 2026. This January full moon takes its name from wolves heard howling in midwinter.

A full moon occurs when the Moon sits opposite the Sun in the sky, which fully lights the side facing Earth. This happens once per roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle. The Moon rises near sunset, stands highest around midnight, and sets near sunrise—visible all night, weather permitting.

How to see the Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon lies about 362,888 km from Earth, near the average Earth–Moon distance, so it looks a typical size.

For the best view, look to the eastern horizon shortly after sunset on January 3, 2026. The Moon looks largest and most colorful when 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 Wolf Moon in 2026?: The Wolf Moon reaches full phase on January 3, 2026. It rises around sunset that evening and stays visible through the night.
Why is it called the Wolf Moon?: The name comes from traditional North American almanac usage: it is named for wolves heard howling in midwinter. The names were a way to track the seasons by the monthly 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

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
Cold MoonDecember 24

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