Full Moon Calendar 2027 - Dates, Names & What to See

A full moon occurs about once every 29.5 days, giving us a changing lunar calendar throughout the year. In 2027, there will be 12 full moons, each with a traditional name such as the Wolf Moon, Pink Moon, and Harvest Moon.

This full moon calendar for 2027 lists each date and its exact time in U.S. Eastern Time, along with the meaning behind its traditional name and practical tips for viewing the Moon.

Full Moon Calendar 2027: Dates and Times

The table below lists all 12 full moons expected in 2027. Times are in U.S. Eastern Time (EST or EDT, depending on the date).

Note: These are the times of the exact full moon, not necessarily the best local viewing times. The Moon may be below the horizon when the full phase occurs. Local moonrise times depend on your location.

For the dates of new moons and quarter moons, see the complete guide on 2027 Moon Phases Calendar.

What are the Full Moon Names in 2027?

Traditional full moon names reflect seasonal changes, farming activities, and observations of the natural world. Many names commonly used in the United States come from Indigenous, colonial-era, and European traditions, and naming conventions can vary by source.

Here is what the 2027 full moon names generally refer to:

• Wolf Moon - January 22: Associated with winter and traditional accounts of wolves howling during the cold season.

• Snow Moon - February 20: Named for the snow common in many parts of North America during February.

• Worm Moon - March 22: Linked to the thawing ground and the return of earthworms as spring approaches.

• Pink Moon - April 20: Named after springtime pink wildflowers, often identified as creeping phlox. The Moon does not usually appear pink.

• Flower Moon - May 20: Refers to the abundance of flowers in late spring.

• Strawberry Moon - June 18: Associated with the seasonal strawberry harvest.

• Buck Moon - July 18: Named for the period when male deer, or bucks, grow their antlers.

• Sturgeon Moon - August 17: Connected with sturgeon fishing during this part of the year in some North American regions.

• Harvest Moon - September 15: The full moon nearest the autumn equinox, traditionally associated with the harvest.

• Hunter’s Moon - October 15: Traditionally linked to hunting and preparing food for the colder months.

• Beaver Moon - November 13: Associated with beaver trapping and preparations for winter.

• Cold Moon - December 13: Reflects the cold nights of the Northern Hemisphere’s winter.

These names are cultural and seasonal labels rather than scientific classifications. They do not change the Moon’s physical appearance or phase.

What Can You See During a Full Moon?

A full moon is easy to recognize because the side facing Earth appears almost entirely illuminated. What you can observe depends on the Moon’s position, local weather, light pollution, and viewing conditions.

1. Lunar maria and craters

With the naked eye, look for the dark plains called maria and the lighter highlands across the lunar surface. Binoculars can reveal more detail, while a telescope can make craters and mountain ranges easier to distinguish.

2. Moonrise and the horizon

The Moon can look unusually large when it sits near the horizon. This is commonly called the Moon illusion: the Moon appears larger to the eye, even though its apparent size has not meaningfully increased.

3. Lunar eclipses

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon and casts its shadow on the Moon. It can happen only at full moon, but not every full moon produces an eclipse because the Moon’s orbit is tilted relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

How to View a Full Moon in 2027

You do not need specialized equipment to enjoy a full moon. A few simple steps can make a viewing session more rewarding.

• Check local moonrise time. The exact full moon time in the table may occur during daylight or when the Moon is below the horizon.
• Choose an open viewing spot. A clear view toward the eastern horizon is useful around moonrise.
• Look for darker surroundings. Streetlights and nearby buildings can make it harder to see subtle details.
• Bring binoculars if available. They can reveal more surface detail without requiring a telescope.
• Check the weather. Clouds and haze can obscure the Moon, even when the phase is correct.

For a more complete view of how the Moon changes from new moon through first quarter, full moon, and last quarter, refer to the 2027 Moon Phases guide.

Why Use a Full Moon Calendar?

A full moon calendar makes it easier to plan observations, photography sessions, outdoor activities, and astronomy lessons around the lunar cycle. It can also help you notice how the Moon’s position and visibility change over the year.

A printed calendar is useful when you want to check upcoming dates at a glance without searching for them each time. If you enjoy keeping track of celestial events, browse the 2046 Print Shop calendar collection for space- and science-inspired calendar designs. New calendar products are in development, so check back for upcoming additions.

Final Thoughts

The 2027 full moon calendar includes 12 full moons, from January’s Wolf Moon to December’s Cold Moon. Their traditional names connect the lunar cycle with seasonal changes, while each full moon offers another opportunity to observe the night sky.

Use the dates above to plan your viewing sessions, and check local moonrise times for the best chance of seeing the Moon clearly.