The night sky is set to put on a dazzling show in 2026, and stargazers everywhere are already marking their calendars. According to NASA and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, there will be a total of 13 full moons next year—a rare occurrence that includes not just the usual dozen, but a special “Blue Moon” in May. Even more exciting for skywatchers, three of these full moons will be supermoons, when the moon appears especially large and bright in the sky due to its proximity to Earth. The year’s lunar parade begins with a bang: the Super Full Wolf Moon on January 3, 2026, which promises to kick off the new year in spectacular fashion.
Each full moon in 2026 carries a name steeped in Native American and early colonial tradition, reflecting the rhythms of the natural world. These names—like Wolf Moon, Snow Moon, and Strawberry Moon—are more than poetic; they capture the essence of the seasons and the activities of both people and wildlife. As the Old Farmer’s Almanac notes, these designations once helped communities keep track of the passing year and prepare for seasonal changes.
Let’s break down the lunar calendar for 2026. The year begins with the Wolf Moon on January 3, which is also the first supermoon of the year. The Farmer’s Almanac explains that this moon earned its name because “wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time. It was traditionally believed that wolves howled due to hunger during winter, but we know today that isn’t accurate.” The Wolf Moon will shine in the astrological sign of Cancer, a detail that astrologers say heightens the moon’s emotional and reflective qualities.
According to Getty Images, “The supermoon kicks off 2026 on the right foot for us all! Mark your calendars: January 3rd brings the Super Full Wolf Moon in the sign of Cancer. As the first Full Moon of the new year, this is a magnificent time to make a list of what no longer serves us, protecting our peace and what we want to attain in 2026.” Astrologers point out that this supermoon, being closer to Earth than previous ones, will appear even brighter and more illuminating, offering a perfect backdrop for setting intentions and embarking on new beginnings.
Supermoons are a special treat for skywatchers. As NASA explains, a supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth—known as perigee. This makes the moon look about 30% brighter and 14% larger than a typical full moon. However, there’s a bit of wiggle room in the definition: “Different publications use slightly different thresholds for deciding when a full moon is close enough to the Earth to qualify as a supermoon,” NASA notes. Because the moon’s orbit isn’t a perfect circle, its distance from Earth changes throughout the year, making some full moons appear larger than others.
The full moon lineup for 2026 is as follows: January 3 brings the Wolf Moon (supermoon), February 1 is the Snow Moon, March 3 is the Worm Moon, April 1 is the Pink Moon, May 1 is the Flower Moon, May 31 is the Blue Moon, June 29 is the Strawberry Moon, July 29 is the Buck Moon, August 28 is the Sturgeon Moon, September 26 is the Corn Moon (also known as the Harvest Moon), October 26 is the Hunter’s Moon, November 24 is the Beaver Moon (supermoon), and December 23 is the Cold Moon (supermoon).
Each name tells a story. The Snow Moon in February is named for the heavy snows that often blanket the ground, as NASA explains. The Worm Moon in March refers to the earthworms that emerge as the ground thaws. April’s Pink Moon is named for the early spring bloom of the wildflower Phlox subulata, often called “moss pink.” The Flower Moon in May celebrates the explosion of wildflowers, while the Blue Moon at the end of May is simply the second full moon in a single month—a rare event that’s given rise to the phrase “once in a blue moon.”
June’s Strawberry Moon marks the harvest of ripening strawberries in the northeastern United States. The Buck Moon in July is named for the time when male deer’s antlers are in full growth. The Sturgeon Moon in August gets its name from the large fish that were once abundant in the Great Lakes. The Corn Moon or Harvest Moon in September is notable for rising at nearly the same time for several evenings, giving farmers extra light to bring in the harvest.
October’s Hunter’s Moon signaled to early Americans that it was time to hunt and prepare for winter. The Beaver Moon in November, another supermoon, is named for the time when beavers take shelter for the winter. Finally, December’s Cold Moon—also a supermoon—reflects the frigid conditions and long nights of winter, with the Mohawk and Mohican peoples also calling it the “Long Night Moon.”
Astrology enthusiasts will have plenty to ponder during the first full moon of the year. The Super Full Wolf Moon on January 3, 2026, is accompanied by a flurry of astrological activity. As Getty Images reports, “Affectionate Venus and temperamental Mars in Capricorn oppose the moon, escalating our moodiness and sentiments. Our patience is going to be tested because Mars has no chill and tends to thrust us toward impulsivity. Venus creates a push-and-pull dynamic with the moon, heightening tension around our insecurities and instincts.” The days surrounding the full moon encourage reflection, self-care, and new beginnings.
The astrological climate intensifies further with the Venus Star Point—a conjunction of the sun and Venus in Capricorn—on January 6. This rare alignment, named by astrologer Arielle Guttman, is said to influence relationships, self-confidence, and social trends for the year ahead. The following day, Venus and Mars align in Capricorn, amplifying the energy of both the full moon and the Venus Star Point, and encouraging action on the intentions set at the start of the year.
Adding to the celestial spectacle, the Quadrantid meteor shower will light up the sky in early January. Known for its bright “fireballs,” the Quadrantids offer a magical, if brief, display each year. As Getty Images puts it, “We’ll literally wish upon a star and enchant our lives with greatness. This is another reminder from the universe to stay present and acknowledge the beauty that surrounds us as well as within our spirit.”
With 13 full moons—including three supermoons—and a host of astrological and astronomical events, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for skywatchers, dreamers, and anyone who finds inspiration in the rhythms of the cosmos. Whether you’re setting intentions under the Wolf Moon or marveling at the brilliance of a supermoon, the year ahead promises moments of wonder and reflection for all who look up.