Next full moon in February 2026: exact date and time
The next full moon in February 2026 occurs on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:07 UTC. In U.S. Eastern Time, that is Monday, February 10, at 1:07 p.m.; in U.S. Pacific Time, it is Monday, February 10, at 10:07 a.m. Local moonrise and moonset times vary by location, so check a moonrise/moonset table for your city to know when it will be visible after sunset.
Why the date shifts and how to convert it locally
The 29.53-day synodic month does not align neatly with our 28-day February, so the full moon drifts earlier in the month from year to year. Use the universal time (UTC) and convert to your local time zone, remembering that daylight saving time does not yet apply in February in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is a full moon
A full moon occurs when the Moon and the Sun are opposite each other in ecliptic longitude, with Earth nearly between them. The Moon’s face appears fully illuminated from our vantage point. Key points to note:
- Not perfectly round in appearance; subtle limb effects and atmospheric conditions can shape the visual profile.
- Luna is technically at opposition relative to the Sun, a geometry that repeats roughly every 29.53 days.
- Full moons can look larger near the horizon due to the Moon illusion, though this is a perceptual effect, not a physical change.
Visibility and viewing in February 2026
In February, mid-northern latitudes have earlier sunsets and later moonrises around the full moon, providing a longer window after dark. To maximize viewing:
- Check local moonrise tables; some regions may catch moonrise shortly after sunset, while others see moonrise many hours earlier.
- Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to darkness to perceive surface detail and earthshine.
- For city viewers, reduce direct glare and light pollution by observing toward the eastern sky when possible.
Full moon names and cultural context in February
February’s full moon is commonly called the Snow Moon in North America and the Hunger Moon in some traditions, reflecting seasonal conditions and historical challenges. Other cultures assign different names tied to local ecology and practices. These names are descriptive, not astronomical drivers, but they help track lunar cycles by month.
Comparing February 2026 with nearby years
Because the synodic month is about 29.53 days and February is short, the full moon date moves earlier relative to the calendar by roughly 11–14 days each year, or by about one full moon cycle from one February to the next year’s February. The table below shows recent and near-future February full moons (all in UTC).
| Year | Full Moon Date (UTC) | Phase Name | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 24, 2024 | Snow Moon | Peak illumination in late February, illustrating annual drift within the month. |
| 2025 | March 6, 2025 | Worm Moon (March) | Full moon skips February entirely due to the 29.53-day cycle aligning differently. |
| 2026 | February 11, 2026 | Snow Moon | Return of full moon to February, earlier in the month than 2024. |
| 2027 | February 2, 2027 | Snow Moon | Continues the pattern of February full moons shifting earlier in the Gregorian month. |
Planning activities around the February 2026 full moon
With the full moon on February 11, 2026, the nights around it provide ample natural light. Consider timing for:
- Photography: The nights of February 10–12 offer bright conditions for long-exposure lunar and landscape shots.
- Outdoor events: Start after moonrise for a naturally lit evening; verify local moonrise times for your specific location.
- Cultural and educational programs: Many communities schedule talks or hikes near the full moon; align with local event calendars.
Frequently asked questions
- Why isn’t the full moon on the same calendar date each year?
- Can I see the full moon in daylight?
- Does the full moon affect tides, wildlife, or mood in measurable ways?
- Is the full moon in February always called the Snow Moon?
The synodic month (29.53 days) does not evenly divide into February’s 28 days, so the full moon migrates earlier or skips February entirely over time.
Yes. Around full moon, the Moon often rises around sunset and sets around sunrise, making it visible during daylight hours for much of the day.
Tides are measurably higher at full moon due to combined solar and lunar gravitational pull. Behavioral effects are observed anecdotally but vary widely by species and context.
Common names vary by tradition; Snow Moon is widely used in North America, but some sources call it the Hunger Moon or other regional names.