The Stories Behind 2026 Full Moon Calendar Names and Dates

The moon has always been our oldest storyteller. Every month, a new full moon graces our sky, each carrying a nickname that whispers secrets of ancient traditions and seasonal shifts. For 2026, we have 12 unique names—and a few double appearances—to look forward to. From the howling of wolves to the harvest of corn, these monikers are more than just labels; they're a map of human survival and observation.

2026 Full Moon Calendar Names and Their Seasonal Origins

Starting the year on January 3, 2026, is the Wolf Moon. This name comes from Native American and European cultures, reflecting the time when wolves were most audible during the deep winter chill. Shortly after, the Snow Moon arrives on February 1, aptly named for the heavy snowfalls typically seen during the coldest month of the Northern Hemisphere.

As winter fades, the Worm Moon on March 3 signals the warming soil where earthworms begin to stir. April's Pink Moon (rising on April 1) isn't actually pink; it's named after the Phlox subulata, a wildflower that carpets the landscape in hue. May is a busy month for skywatchers, featuring two Flower Moons on the 1st and 31st, celebrating the full bloom of spring.

Harvest and Hunt: Summer into Autumn

Summer brings the Strawberry Moon on June 29, named by the Algonquin people for the short harvest season of the fruit. By July 29, the Buck Moon appears when male deer antlers reach their peak. The Sturgeon Moon on August 28 honors the prehistoric fish once abundant in the Great Lakes.

The Harvest Moon takes center stage on September 26. Historically, its bright light allowed farmers to work through the night to gather crops before the frost. The year concludes with themes of preparation: the Hunter Moon on October 26, the Beaver Moon on November 24, and finally, the Cold Moon on December 24.