October’s Hunter’s Moon will reach peak illumination at 12:11 a.m. EDT on Monday, October 26, 2026. However, skywatchers can enjoy its nearly full appearance throughout the weekend without staying up late. The moon will provide clear viewing opportunities around dusk, especially as it rises above the eastern horizon. No telescope is needed to enjoy the celestial event.
The Hunter’s Moon is the second full moon of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, following September’s Harvest Moon on September 26. It is the 11th of 13 full moons occurring in 2026. The year includes an extra full moon because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year. This difference allows the calendar to accommodate an additional full moon during some years.
Read more : October full moon: Hunter’s Moon peaks on October 26
For the best views, observers should look toward the eastern horizon around moonrise. In New York City, the moon is expected to rise at 5:59 p.m. EDT on Monday. In Los Angeles, moonrise is listed for 6:05 p.m. EDT. The nearly full moon will also be visible on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday evenings.
An open viewing spot with an unobstructed horizon can make the experience more impressive. Trees, buildings or other landmarks may provide an attractive backdrop as the moon rises. Its position low in the sky at dusk can create a striking view for photographers and casual observers alike. Clear weather will help determine how easily people can see the moon.
Read more : October full moon: Hunter’s Moon peaks on October 26
The name Hunter’s Moon comes from an old seasonal tradition. After farmers completed the harvest, bare fields made deer and foxes easier to spot as they prepared for winter. Bright moonlight also helped hunters continue their activities after sunset. Other traditional names for October’s full moon include the Travel Moon, Dying Grass Moon and Sanguine Moon.
The next full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, will occur on November 24. It will also be a supermoon and the first of two supermoons expected toward the end of 2026. Skywatchers will have another opportunity to observe a particularly prominent full moon as the year approaches its close.