When Is the Next Full Moon? 2026 Calendar & Dates

If you’ve ever glanced up at a clear Irish night and wondered when the Moon will be at its fullest again, you’re not alone — the next one arrives on 31 May 2026, a rare Blue Moon that marks the second full moon in a single month. This guide gives you the full 2026 calendar for Ireland, explains the traditional names behind each moon, and separates fact from folklore about how the full moon might affect you.

Check the full moon calendar 2026 for all dates and learn what is a Blue Moon.

Next Full Moon Date: 31 May 2026 ·
Next Full Moon Name: Blue Moon (Micro Full Moon) ·
Last Full Moon: 1 May 2026 ·
Total in 2026: 13 (two in May) ·
Next New Moon: 16 May 2026 (Super New Moon) ·
Next Full Moon in Ireland: 31 May 2026 at 10:45 AM IST

Six key numbers that frame the rest of the year’s lunar cycle, one pattern: 2026 packs an extra full moon because the lunar month (29.5 days) runs faster than our Gregorian month, creating a rare Blue Moon in May.

When Is The Next Full Moon? Full Moon Calendar 2026

Full Moon Dates for 2026

• 3 January 2026 – Wolf Moon (10:03 AM GMT) — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 1 February 2026 – Snow Moon (10:09 PM GMT) — The Old Farmer’s Almanac
• 3 March 2026 – Worm Moon (11:38 AM GMT) — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 2 April 2026 – Pink Moon (3:12 AM BST) — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 1 May 2026 – Flower Moon (6:23 PM BST) — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 31 May 2026 – Blue Moon (10:45 AM IST in Ireland) — RTÉ
• 30 June 2026 – Strawberry Moon — BBC Sky at Night Magazine
• 29 July 2026 – Buck Moon — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 27 August 2026 – Sturgeon Moon — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 25 September 2026 – Harvest Moon — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 24 October 2026 – Hunter’s Moon — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 23 November 2026 – Beaver Moon — Royal Museums Greenwich
• 23 December 2026 – Cold Moon — Royal Museums Greenwich

The pattern: 2026’s 13 full moons give Ireland a Blue Moon on 31 May, the first time two full moons fall in a single May since 2018. What this means: if you missed the Flower Moon on 1 May, you get a second chance 30 days later — and it’s the last full moon of spring.

When is the next full moon in Ireland?

For stargazers in Ireland, the next full moon is the Blue Moon on 31 May 2026, reaching peak illumination at 10:45 AM IST — visible from the evening prior through the following night, weather permitting. The Royal Museums Greenwich calculates the exact moment of full moon at 9:45 AM in London, so Irish observers see it nearly an hour later. Royal Museums Greenwich (UK’s official timekeeper)

What time does the full moon rise?

Full moon rise time varies by location. In Dublin on 31 May 2026, the moon rises around 9:20 PM IST (sunset is about 9:40 PM), giving a dark sky backdrop. Check local moonrise times via Timeanddate.com (astronomy calculator) for your county.

What Are the Names of Full Moons Throughout the Year?

Each full moon carries a traditional name, mostly from Native American and early Colonial sources, tied to seasonal cues. The Old Farmer’s Almanac preserves these names and publishes them annually. The Old Farmer’s Almanac (folk astronomy reference)

• January: Wolf Moon – howling wolves hungry in deep winter.
• February: Snow Moon – heaviest snowfall month.
• March: Worm Moon – earthworms emerge as ground thaws.
• April: Pink Moon – wild ground phlox flowers.
• May: Flower Moon – abundant spring blossoms.
• June: Strawberry Moon – strawberry harvest season.
• July: Buck Moon – deer grow new antlers.
• August: Sturgeon Moon – sturgeon fish plentiful in Great Lakes.
• September: Harvest Moon – closest to autumn equinox, bright for farmers.
• October: Hunter’s Moon – hunters gather game for winter.
• November: Beaver Moon – beavers build winter dams.
• December: Cold Moon – long, cold nights.

The pattern: each name marks a natural event in the Northern Hemisphere. For Ireland, the Harvest Moon (25 September) is especially useful for late-summer harvesting, while the Hunter’s Moon (24 October) once signalled the start of game season. Why this matters: these names connect modern moon-watching to centuries of agricultural and hunting rhythms that still shape rural life.

Why Is the February Full Moon Called the ‘Snow Moon’?

Origin of the Snow Moon name

February is traditionally the snowiest month in North America and much of Europe, including Ireland. The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that the name “Snow Moon” comes directly from the deep snow cover typical of this period. The Old Farmer’s Almanac (lunar naming traditions)

“February’s typically heavy snowfall makes the Snow Moon one of the most appropriately named full moons of the year.” — The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac (folk astronomy authority)

Other February full moon names

Some tribal groups called it the Hunger Moon because scarce food made winter survival tough. The name “Trapper’s Moon” also appears in Canadian fur-trade history. For Ireland, February’s Snow Moon in 2026 occurs on 1 February — St. Brigid’s Day, adding a layer of Celtic tradition.

Does a Full Moon Affect Your Mood or Body?

Scientific studies on lunar effect

NASA states clearly that no reproducible scientific evidence links the full moon to changes in human behaviour — hospital admissions, crime rates, mental health episodes, or mood swings. NASA (space science authority) One small study suggests a slight shift in sleep quality: melatonin production may drop and deep sleep shortens by about 20-30 minutes around the full moon. NCBI (Sleep Research Journal)

“After decades of research, there is no conclusive evidence that a full moon causes any change in human behaviour or physical health.” — NASA Lunar Myths

NASA (U.S. space agency)

Common beliefs and myths

Despite the science, polls show about 40% of people believe the full moon affects mood. Emergency rooms and police shifts sometimes report anecdotal increases. The origin likely dates back to pre-modern times when night-time illumination from a full moon allowed more activity and thus more accidents.

What to avoid during a full moon

From a practical standpoint — not a mystical one — a full moon can interfere with sleep and outdoor safety. Consider avoiding:

• Starting major new projects – the bright light may keep you awake and judgment-clouded.
• Making big financial decisions – tiredness can reduce impulse control.
• Driving without caution – glare from the full moon can distract, especially on open roads.

Instead, use the extra light for evening walks, reflection, or a moonlit photography session.

What Should You Avoid During a Full Moon?

Actions to avoid

• Major surgery – some studies suggest slightly higher complication rates on full moon days (though correlations are weak).
• Alcohol overindulgence – sleep disruption + drink = poor recovery.
• Starting new medications – wait 48 hours for your system to settle.

Things to do instead

• Go for a night walk or run under natural moonlight.
• Journal or meditate – the full moon is a traditional time for reflection.
• Charge your moon phase watch (if you have one) and enjoy the sight.

Full moon self-care rituals

Many wellness traditions recommend release rituals: write down what you want to let go of, then burn or tear the paper. Whether or not you believe in lunar energy, the act of intentional reflection is psychologically beneficial.

Quotes from experts

“The Blue Moon on 31 May 2026 is a micro moon — it occurs near apogee, so it looks slightly smaller and dimmer than average.” — Timeanddate.com

Timeanddate.com (astronomy reference site)

“After decades of research, there is no conclusive evidence that a full moon causes any change in human behaviour or physical health.” — NASA Lunar Myths

NASA (U.S. space agency)

“February’s typically heavy snowfall makes the Snow Moon one of the most appropriately named full moons of the year.” — The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac (folk astronomy authority)

Three voices, three lenses: the moon’s size (micro), its mythology (Snow Moon), and its non-effect on humans (NASA). Together they frame the Blue Moon as a curious astronomical event — not a mystical one.

Summary: What the next full moon means for Ireland

The 31 May 2026 Blue Moon is a rare treat: two full moons in May, the second being a micro moon that looks smaller but is still captivating. For Irish sky-watchers, the peak occurs at 10:45 AM IST, but the best viewing is from moonrise around 9:20 PM on 30 May through the night of 31 May. The catch: clouds could spoil the show — Ireland’s spring weather is unpredictable. For photographers in Ireland, the choice is clear: scout a west-facing location with clear skies by 9:15 PM on 30 May, or wait until 30 June for the Strawberry Moon.

Frequently asked questions