Moon Calendar 2026: All Moon Phases with Full Moon Dates & Times

By Alexander Merz · Updated on 3 August 2026 · Details checked on 14 September 2026

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The moon calendar 2026 brings together every lunar phase of the year at a glance: each new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter – with the date, weekday and time in UK local time (GMT/BST). Whether you are planning a night of stargazing, an astrophotography session or simply a walk under the full moon, you’ll find all the full moon dates for 2026 and the complete lunar cycle right here.

Moon Calendar 2026: All Moon Phases at a Glance

The table below lists the four principal moon phases for every lunar cycle of 2026, from 2 January through to 30 December.

Times in UK local time (GMT in winter, BST in summer); the clock change is already accounted for. A moon phase occurs at the same instant worldwide, so these times apply across the whole of the UK.

The 13 Full Moons of 2026 and Their Names

For the full moons specifically — exact minute, moonrise, the 28 August lunar eclipse and where each one is visible from — see our dedicated full moon calendar 2026/2027.

By tradition – largely inherited from Native American and colonial folklore – every full moon carries a seasonal name. Because 2026 has one extra full moon, the second full moon of May is a Blue Moon, an event that happens only once every two to three years.

The “Harvest Moon” is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox; in 2026 that is the full moon of 26 September.

The dates worth seeing are often months apart and easily forgotten. So you do not miss one:

How to Read the Moon Calendar

A complete lunar cycle (a synodic month) lasts about 29.5 days on average, with a little over seven days between each of the four main phases. In practice: around the new moon, the nights are darkest – perfect for galaxies, the Milky Way and deep-sky photography. Around the first quarter, the Moon itself looks its best through a telescope, as the low-angle shadows throw craters and mountains into sharp relief. The full moon is glorious to the naked eye but floods the sky with light, washing out faint objects.

Observing the Moon: Which Instrument Should You Choose?

The Moon is the perfect first target: bright, packed with detail and visible even from the city. A simple pair of binoculars already reveals the great lunar seas; a small refractor lets you track craters and valleys night after night as the phases shift. The view along the terminator (the shadow line) near first quarter is unforgettable.

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The Moon and Your Garden: Myth or Reality?

Many moon calendars offer advice on sowing, harvesting or even haircuts. Such effects are not scientifically proven: controlled studies have found no influence of the lunar phase on plant growth. What the Moon demonstrably moves are the tides – and on a huge scale. If you would rather experience the Moon directly than by superstition, our beginner telescope guide will help you get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next full moon?

All full moon dates and times are listed in the table above, and the live widget at the top of the page always shows the next upcoming full moon.

Why does 2026 have thirteen full moons?

Because twelve lunar cycles last only about 354 days – roughly eleven days short of the calendar year. That gap means that about every 2.7 years a thirteenth full moon squeezes into the year, and 2026 is one of those years.

Do the times apply across the whole UK?

Yes. A moon phase happens at the same moment everywhere on Earth, so the stated UK local time is valid throughout the United Kingdom.

What is a “Blue Moon”?

It is the second full moon within a single calendar month. In 2026 it falls on 31 May. Despite the name, the Moon does not actually turn blue.

Does the Moon affect sleep?

Some studies have found weak effects around the full moon, others none at all. There is currently no firm scientific consensus.