Today Moon Phase: May 17, 2026No major moon phase on this date
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar 2026
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
Moon Phases 2026 — Complete Lunar Calendar for the United States
In 2026, the moon completes 13 full lunar cycles visible from the United States, with 13 new moons, 13 full moons, and a total of 52 primary lunar phase events distributed across all 12 months. The moon phase calendar 2026 gives skywatchers, gardeners, and astrology enthusiasts a precise monthly guide to every waxing crescent, first quarter, full moon, and waning gibbous visible from US territory.
Moon Phases Calendar 2026 — Month by Month Overview
The table below summarizes the key moon phase dates for 2026. Each month links to the full monthly lunar calendar so you can plan around new moons, full moons, and every phase in between.
| Month | New Moon | First Quarter | Full Moon | Last Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 3 | January 10 | January 18 | January 26 |
| February 2026 | February 1 | February 9 | February 17 | February 25 |
| March 2026 | March 3 | March 11 | March 18 | March 26 |
| April 2026 | April 1 | April 10 | April 17 | April 25 |
| May 2026 | May 1 | May 9 | May 16 | May 24 |
| June 2026 | June 30 | June 8 | June 15 | June 22 |
| July 2026 | June 30 | July 7 | July 14 | July 22 |
| August 2026 | July 29 | August 5 | August 13 | August 21 |
| September 2026 | August 28 | September 4 | September 11 | September 19 |
| October 2026 | September 27 | October 3 | October 11 | October 19 |
| November 2026 | October 26 | November 2 | November 9 | November 17 |
| December 2026 | November 25 | December 1 | December 9 | December 17 |
Moon Phases January 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - January 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | January 3, 2026 | Full Moon |
| 10 | January 10, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 18 | January 18, 2026 | New Moon |
| 26 | January 26, 2026 | First Quarter |
Check the January 2026 calendar for all key dates this month alongside the full moon phase table above. January 2026 opens the lunar year with a new moon on January 3, making the first week ideal for starting new projects or setting intentions. The full moon on January 18 rises as a Winter Moon, one of the most photographed lunar events of the cold season across the continental US.
January has 31 days and contains 4 primary moon phase events. The waxing crescent phase runs from January 3 to January 10, followed by the waxing gibbous from January 10 to January 18. After the full moon, the moon enters its waning gibbous stage, dimming toward the last quarter on January 26.
Moon Phases February 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - February 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 1, 2026 | Full Moon |
| 9 | February 9, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 17 | February 17, 2026 | New Moon |
| 24 | February 24, 2026 | First Quarter |
Visit the February 2026 calendar to view this month’s lunar schedule alongside public holidays. February 2026 is notable because its 28-day span fits the lunar cycle almost exactly, with the new moon arriving on February 1 and the last quarter on February 25 — all four primary phases landing neatly within the calendar month.
The February full moon on February 17 is traditionally known as the Snow Moon across North America. Skywatchers in northern states often have clear, cold skies that make February one of the best months to observe the full moon rising above the horizon.
Moon Phases March 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - March 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | March 3, 2026 | Full Moon |
| 11 | March 11, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 19 | March 19, 2026 | New Moon |
| 25 | March 25, 2026 | First Quarter |
Browse the March 2026 calendar to plan around spring equinox dates and lunar phases. March 2026 contains a particularly significant full moon: the one falling on March 18 is the Worm Moon, the first full moon of meteorological spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, this moon signaled the softening of winter ground and the emergence of earthworms in many parts of the US.
The March new moon on March 3 lands shortly after astronomical winter ends, making it a popular start date for spring planting schedules based on lunar gardening calendars. The waxing crescent phase through March 11 coincides with warmer temperatures returning to the South and Midwest.
Moon Phases April 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - April 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | April 2, 2026 | Full Moon |
| 10 | April 10, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 17 | April 17, 2026 | New Moon |
| 24 | April 24, 2026 | First Quarter |
See the April 2026 calendar for a complete view of spring holidays and moon phases. April 2026 features a new moon on April 1 and a full moon on April 17. The April full moon is known as the Pink Moon — named after the wild ground phlox, one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring in the eastern United States — though the moon itself does not turn pink.
April is one of the most active months for lunar observers in the US due to milder temperatures and longer evening twilight hours. The first quarter on April 10 and last quarter on April 25 bracket a productive two-week growing window for farmers and home gardeners following the Old Farmer’s Almanac planting guide.
Moon Phases May 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - May 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 1, 2026 | Full Moon |
| 9 | May 9, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 16 | May 16, 2026 | New Moon |
| 23 | May 23, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 31 | May 31, 2026 | Full Moon |
Access the May 2026 calendar for Memorial Day and moon phase planning. May 2026 brings the Flower Moon on May 16, a full moon that takes its name from the abundance of wildflowers blooming across North America during this month. The new moon on May 1 provides an ideal window for planting above-ground crops in regions following biodynamic lunar gardening principles.
May also delivers a rare double new moon month: the month opens with a new moon on May 1 and ends with the cycle reset approaching June 30’s new moon, giving May observers a full lunar cycle within the calendar month. The last quarter on May 24 falls just before Memorial Day weekend, offering darker evening skies for stargazers celebrating the holiday outdoors.
Moon Phases June 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - June 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | June 8, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 15 | June 15, 2026 | New Moon |
| 21 | June 21, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 29 | June 29, 2026 | Full Moon |
Explore the June 2026 calendar for summer solstice and lunar phase details. June 2026 is the shortest night month in the US, which means the full moon on June 15 rises in a sky that barely darkens before 9 PM in northern latitudes. This full moon is called the Strawberry Moon, reflecting the strawberry harvest season that peaks across the central and eastern US in June.
The June new moon on June 30 falls on the last day of the month, making it a true Black Moon — a second new moon in a calendar month — a relatively rare occurrence that repeats roughly every 2.5 years. Astronomers and lunar enthusiasts mark this date as a reset point in the moon cycle calendar for the second half of 2026.
Moon Phases July 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - July 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | July 7, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 14 | July 14, 2026 | New Moon |
| 21 | July 21, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 29 | July 29, 2026 | Full Moon |
See the July 2026 calendar for Independence Day and moon phase timings. July 2026 features the Buck Moon on July 14, named for the time of year when male white-tailed deer begin growing new antlers across the eastern United States. The July full moon is one of the most popular to photograph because summer warmth keeps observers outdoors late into the evening.
The new moon for July falls on June 30, meaning July 2026 opens without a new moon — a relatively uncommon arrangement that gives the first two weeks of July unusually bright waxing moon conditions. The first quarter arrives on July 7, with the last quarter closing the cycle on July 22, well before the August new moon resets the cycle.
Moon Phases August 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - August 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | August 6, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 12 | August 12, 2026 | New Moon |
| 20 | August 20, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 28 | August 28, 2026 | Full Moon |
Check the August 2026 calendar for late-summer moon phase and event planning. August 2026 brings the Sturgeon Moon on August 13, a full moon traditionally associated with the large sturgeon fish that were historically caught in the Great Lakes and other major US waterways during this time of year. The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most watched annual events in US skies, peaks in mid-August and in 2026 benefits from the darkening phase following the full moon on August 13.
The new moon arrives on July 29, setting August up for a growing waxing moon through the first two weeks. The last quarter on August 21 precedes the late-August new moon, giving skywatchers clear dark skies right as summer begins to wind down across the northern states.
Moon Phases September 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - September 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | September 4, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 11 | September 11, 2026 | New Moon |
| 18 | September 18, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 26 | September 26, 2026 | Full Moon |
Browse the September 2026 calendar for fall equinox timing and lunar phases. September 2026 hosts the Harvest Moon on September 11, the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, which in 2026 falls on September 22. The Harvest Moon is unique because it rises nearly at sunset for several consecutive nights, providing farmers in the central US with extra natural light to complete the grain and corn harvest before temperatures drop.
The September new moon arrives on August 28, meaning September begins under a waxing crescent. The last quarter on September 19 falls just days before the equinox, marking the midpoint between the Harvest Moon and the next new moon. September is considered by many lunar observers to be the most evocative month in the moon phase calendar year.
Moon Phases October 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - October 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | October 3, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 10 | October 10, 2026 | New Moon |
| 18 | October 18, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 26 | October 26, 2026 | Full Moon |
Access the October 2026 calendar for Halloween season and moon phase details. October 2026 delivers the Hunter’s Moon on October 11, the full moon following the Harvest Moon. It rises in a season when hunters across North America have traditionally used the moonlight to track deer, fox, and other animals fattening themselves for winter. In 2026, the Hunter’s Moon falls mid-month, giving the last two weeks of October notably bright nights as it begins to wane.
Halloween 2026 falls under a last quarter moon on October 31, meaning the moon rises after midnight — producing genuinely dark skies for trick-or-treaters across US neighborhoods. The waning gibbous that follows the October full moon creates ideal conditions for late-evening outdoor activities throughout the holiday season.
Moon Phases November 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - November 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | November 1, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 9 | November 9, 2026 | New Moon |
| 17 | November 17, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 24 | November 24, 2026 | Full Moon |
See the November 2026 calendar for Thanksgiving and lunar calendar planning. November 2026 brings the Beaver Moon on November 9, named for the time when beavers traditionally finished building their winter dams and North American trappers set beaver traps before waterways froze. The November full moon rises early in the month, meaning most of November 2026 is spent under a waning or new moon, resulting in darker skies throughout the Thanksgiving holiday window.
Thanksgiving 2026 falls on November 26, which is just one day after the November 25 new moon — making Thanksgiving night one of the darkest of the year and perfect for stargazing in rural areas. The first quarter on November 2 and last quarter on November 17 both fall in the weeks surrounding Veterans Day on November 11.
Moon Phases December 2026
Moon phases
Lunar Calendar - December 2026
| Day | Date | Moon phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | December 1, 2026 | Last Quarter |
| 9 | December 9, 2026 | New Moon |
| 17 | December 17, 2026 | First Quarter |
| 24 | December 24, 2026 | Full Moon |
| 30 | December 30, 2026 | Last Quarter |
Explore the December 2026 calendar for Christmas season moon phases and winter solstice timing. December 2026 closes the lunar year with the Cold Moon on December 9, a full moon that rises in the longest nights of the year. December’s extended darkness makes the full moon appear especially bright and dramatic when viewed from any US latitude.
The winter solstice on December 21 falls under a waning gibbous moon in 2026, meaning solstice celebrations will take place in partially lit night conditions. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on December 24 and 25 arrive under a waxing crescent moving toward the first quarter on December 1, delivering moderate evening moonlight for holiday gatherings across the country. The new moon on November 25 marks the opening of the December lunar cycle, with the last quarter on December 17 rounding out the final primary phase of the 2026 lunar calendar.
Understanding the Eight Moon Phases in Order
The moon completes one full cycle — from new moon back to new moon — in approximately 29.5 days, a period called a synodic month. Every complete lunar cycle in 2026 passes through eight recognized moon phases in the following order:
- New Moon — the moon is not visible from Earth; the illuminated side faces away
- Waxing Crescent — a thin crescent appears on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere
- First Quarter — the right half of the moon is illuminated
- Waxing Gibbous — more than half the moon is lit, growing toward full
- Full Moon — the entire face of the moon is illuminated
- Waning Gibbous — the moon begins to shrink from the left side
- Last Quarter — the left half of the moon is illuminated
- Waning Crescent — a thin crescent remains before the next new moon
The terms waxing and waning refer to the increasing and decreasing illumination of the lunar surface as seen from Earth. Waxing means the visible lit surface is growing; waning means it is shrinking. This cycle repeats 12 to 13 times per year, which is why lunar calendars sometimes contain 13 full moons.
Full Moon Names in the United States — 2026
Each full moon of 2026 carries a traditional name rooted in Native American, colonial, and meteorological naming conventions. The Farmers’ Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac are the primary sources for these names in the US.
| Month | Full Moon Date | Traditional Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | January 18 | Wolf Moon | Howling wolves heard in winter |
| February | February 17 | Snow Moon | Heaviest snowfall of winter |
| March | March 18 | Worm Moon | Ground thaws, earthworms emerge |
| April | April 17 | Pink Moon | Wild ground phlox blooms |
| May | May 16 | Flower Moon | Widespread wildflower bloom |
| June | June 15 | Strawberry Moon | Strawberry harvest season |
| July | July 14 | Buck Moon | Deer begin growing antlers |
| August | August 13 | Sturgeon Moon | Great Lakes sturgeon season |
| September | September 11 | Harvest Moon | Nearest full moon to the equinox |
| October | October 11 | Hunter’s Moon | Hunting season begins |
| November | November 9 | Beaver Moon | Beavers prepare winter dams |
| December | December 9 | Cold Moon | Longest nights of the year |
The US Naval Observatory is the authoritative federal source for precise moon phase times in the United States. All times are expressed in UTC and converted to local US time zones (ET, CT, MT, PT, AKT, HST) on official lunar tracking tools.
Lunar Calendar 2026 and Gardening in the United States
Many American gardeners follow a biodynamic or lunar planting calendar that uses the moon phase cycle to determine the best times to plant, prune, harvest, and rest. The core principle is that the gravitational pull of the moon on Earth’s water table affects how moisture moves through soil and plant tissue.
The new moon and first quarter are considered the best phases for planting above-ground crops such as tomatoes, peppers, corn, and beans. The full moon and waning gibbous are traditionally favored for planting root crops like carrots, beets, and potatoes. The waning crescent is treated as a rest period for the soil. Gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9 — covering large portions of the South, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Coast — often align their spring and fall planting schedules with the lunar cycle calendar 2026 to maximize germination rates and yield.
Important Astronomical Dates Alongside the Moon Phases 2026
The moon phase calendar 2026 overlaps with several major astronomical and seasonal events in the United States:
- January 3 — New Moon / Earth at Perihelion (closest to the Sun)
- March 18 — Full Moon / Spring Worm Moon
- March 20 — Vernal Equinox (spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere)
- April 17 — Pink Moon / peak spring planting season
- June 15 — Strawberry Moon / near summer solstice
- June 21 — Summer Solstice (longest day of the year)
- June 30 — Black Moon (second new moon in June)
- August 12–13 — Perseid Meteor Shower peak / Sturgeon Full Moon
- September 11 — Harvest Moon
- September 22 — Autumnal Equinox (fall begins)
- November 9 — Beaver Moon / approaching winter
- December 9 — Cold Moon / Cold Moon
- December 21 — Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year)
Frequently Asked Questions About Moon Phases 2026
How many full moons are there in 2026 in the United States?
There are 13 full moons in 2026. Most calendar years contain 12 full moons, one per month, but because the lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days — shorter than most calendar months — an extra full moon occurs in some years. In 2026, June contains two new moons (June 1 and June 30), and the additional full moon falls in July, giving 2026 a total of 13 full moons visible from US territory.
What is the Harvest Moon in 2026 and when does it occur?
The Harvest Moon in 2026 is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox. The 2026 autumnal equinox occurs on September 22, making the September 11 full moon the Harvest Moon for that year. The Harvest Moon is notable because it rises shortly after sunset for several consecutive evenings, providing extended natural light that historically allowed farmers across the US Midwest and Great Plains to continue harvesting after dark.
What is a waxing crescent moon and when does it appear in 2026?
A waxing crescent moon appears in the sky as a thin sliver of light visible in the western sky shortly after sunset. It occurs in the days immediately following each new moon, as the illuminated portion of the moon begins to grow. In 2026, every new moon is followed by a waxing crescent phase lasting approximately seven days before the moon reaches the first quarter. The waxing crescent is often the most photographed phase due to its distinctive crescent shape against the twilight sky.
What is the difference between a lunar calendar and a moon phase calendar?
A lunar calendar organizes dates based entirely on the moon’s cycle, with each month beginning at the new moon. A moon phase calendar, such as the one on this page, overlays the eight primary lunar phases onto the standard Gregorian calendar to help users track the moon’s position within each fixed calendar month. The moon phase calendar 2026 on Calendarena shows both systems side by side, allowing US users to see exactly which moon phase falls on any given date throughout the year.
Is a waning gibbous moon visible in the morning or at night?
A waning gibbous moon is visible for a significant portion of the night and into the morning hours. It rises after sunset and remains visible into the pre-dawn sky. Because the waning gibbous represents more than 50% illumination on the decreasing side of the cycle, it provides substantial natural light during the night hours following a full moon. In 2026, waning gibbous phases follow every full moon, lasting approximately seven days before the moon reaches the last quarter.
Conclusion
The moon phases 2026 calendar covers all 12 months of the year and delivers 13 complete lunar cycles with precisely timed new moons, full moons, and quarter phases for US observers. From the Wolf Moon in January to the Cold Moon in December, each full moon in 2026 carries a traditional name and a distinct place in the astronomical calendar. Whether you are tracking the lunar cycle for gardening, photography, astrology, or general curiosity, the monthly moon phase tables above give you a complete reference for the entire year.
For month-specific details, visit the dedicated monthly pages: January 2026 calendar, February 2026 calendar, March 2026 calendar, and all subsequent months through the December 2026 calendar. For authoritative US moon phase times, the US Naval Observatory at aa.usno.navy.mil provides official data verified for all US time zones.
Chokri Hamouda is the founder of Calendarena (calendarena.com), a website focused on creating practical calendar templates and time management resources. He specializes in designing clear, easy-to-use printable calendars that help individuals organize their schedules efficiently.
Through Calendarena, Chokri publishes regularly updated calendar content, including monthly, yearly, and customizable planning templates used by a global audience. His work focuses on usability, simplicity, and accessibility, ensuring that users can quickly find and use the tools they need.
He is actively involved in researching date systems, public holidays, and scheduling formats to provide accurate and reliable calendar resources.
📧 Contact: contact@calendarena.com
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