The next full Moon is the Buck Moon, the seventh full Moon of 2025, rising on 10 July at 22:09 BST.
And there are four supermoons in 2025:
- Harvest Moon – 7 October
- Beaver Moon – 5 November
- Cold Moon – 4 December
In this full Moon calendar you can find dates (and names) for every full Moon in 2025, including Moonrise times.
Download our lunar phases poster 2025 (PDF) for a printable guide to help you keep track of the Moon in 2025.
Equipment: Nikon D850 DSLR camera, 150–600mm Sigma lens
at 600mm, Manfrotto 055 tripod
Many astronomers and stargazers find the full Moon a nuisance, as the bright lunar glare drowns out the view of deep-sky objects.
And even if the Moon is your chosen observing target, many argue that features on the Moon like craters and lunar maria are better seen during the lunar phases.
During a crescent Moon or gibbous Moon, for example, the terminator - the line dividing the lit and unlit portions of the Moon - accentuates certain features, making them much better primed for exploration.
There are even famous clair-obscur effects on the Moon that you can look for at certain times.
For more advice, read our guides on how to observe the Moon and how to photograph the Moon.
And for weekly observing advice including Moonrise times and phases, sign up to receive the BBC Sky at Night magazine e-newsletter.
Why you should see the next full Moon
Nevertheless, many naked-eye stargazers are keen to know when the next full Moon will appear, because there's just something awe-inspiring about a bright lunar disc dominating the night sky.
This is especially true during a supermoon, which many observers get excited about.
And there is still a lot you can see on the lunar surface if you step outside to observe a full Moon.
If it's been raining (or you happen to be near a waterfall!) you might also be able to spot a moonbow.
Scroll down for 2025's key dates in our calendar, including the different names given to each one and when they will rise.
Full Moon dates 2025
- 13th January – 15:17 UTC
- 12th February – 17:07 UTC
- 14th March – 18:40 UTC
- 13th April – 21:08 UTC
- 12th May – 21:28 BST
- 11th June – 22:46 BST
- 10th July – 22:09 BST
- 9th August – 21:13 BST
- 7th September – 19: 42 BST
- 7th October – 18:20 BST
- 5th November – 15:55 UTC
- 4th December – 14:48 UTC
Full Moon names 2025
These are the popular names for full Moons in 2025.
- Wolf Moon – 13 January
- Snow Moon – 12 February
- Worm Moon – 14 March
- Pink Moon – 13 April
- Flower Moon – 12 May
- Strawberry Moon – 11 June
- Buck Moon – 10 July
- Sturgeon Moon – 9 August
- Corn Moon – 7 September
- Harvest Moon – 7 October (a supermoon)
- Beaver Moon – 5 November (a supermoon)
- Cold Moon – 4 December (a supermoon)
Full Moon names explained
Today everyone’s familiar with the popular, informal names given to full Moons – there’s a different one for each month.
The waxing and waning appearance of our lunar neighbour is a constant presence in our skies.
But the appearance of the bright full Moon disc can be a mixed blessing, depending on your point of view.
The bright lunar glow makes it harder to see the stars beyond, but it does have a beauty all of its own, easy to appreciate if you take the time to look.
Using informal or formal names helps us appreciate the lunar cycle, and were used in ancient times to keep track of the calendar throughout the year.
These Moon names have no bearing on what the Moon will actually look like, and don't mean the Moon on that date will look strange or unusual (you'll never see a green Moon, for example, despite the pervading myth).
Click here to find out why February only has 28 days.
Perhaps the most well-known name is the Blue Moon, considered popularly to be the second full Moon in a month.
This definition is based on a misinterpretation that originated in a 1946 edition of Sky & Telescope Magazine.
It became widespread in the 1980s after it was used in a popular radio show and board game Trivial Pursuit.
The original definition of a Blue Moon is the third full Moon in a season that contains four Moons.
Here, the seasons are defined as the time between winter solstice, spring equinox, summer solstice and vernal equinox.
Full Moon vs new Moon
Full Moon and new Moon are two key phases in the monthly lunar cycle.
During full Moon, the whole of the Earth-facing side of the Moon is illuminated.
During new Moon, the Earth-facing side of the Moon is in complete shadow.
New Moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. After new Moon, the Earth-facing side of the Moon becomes more illuminated each day – known as 'waxing' – until it reaches the half-way point: full Moon.
After full Moon, the Earth-facing side of the Moon becomes less illuminated each day – known as 'waning' – until it is again completely in shadow: new Moon.
Full Moon happens when Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, so when we look at the Moon, the Sun is behind us, shining onto the lunar surface.
New Moon happens when the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, meaning the far side of the Moon is illuminated, but the Earth-facing side of the Moon is basked in shadow.
Occasionally, if the full Moon, Earth and the Sun are positioned directly in a line together, we get a lunar eclipse.
If the Earth, the new Moon and the Sun are positioned directly in a line together, we get a solar eclipse.
If you observe or photograph the next full Moon, share your observations and images with us via contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
