Next Full Moon UK – 2026 Dates, Names & Strawberry Moon Guide
For anyone watching the night sky, the next full moon visible from the UK is the Strawberry Moon, rising on 30 June 2026 at 12:57am BST. This June full moon marks the seventh full moon of the year and follows an unusual May that featured a rare Blue Moon.
The 2026 lunar calendar brings 13 full moons, including a second full moon in May that many refer to as a Blue Moon. For those tracking moon phases or planning spiritual practices, knowing the exact date and time matters. The Royal Observatory Greenwich provides precise timings, and several astronomy sites confirm the Strawberry Moon as the next one after 31 May.
Whether you are an astronomer, a curious observer, or someone exploring lunar symbolism, the upcoming full moon offers a clear moment to look up. Below is a complete guide to the next full moon in the UK, the full 2026 schedule, and what the Strawberry Moon represents.
When is the next full moon in the UK?
30 June 2026 – Strawberry Moon
31 May 2026 – Blue Moon (micro moon)
Waxing Gibbous (approaching fullness)
31 May 2026 (already occurred; next in 2027)
The next full moon is the Strawberry Moon, occurring on 30 June 2026 at 12:57am UK time. It is the first full moon after the Blue Moon on 31 May 2026, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich – Full Moon Calendar 2026 and Sky at Night Magazine – Next Full Moon 2026.
Key insights at a glance
- The next full moon falls on 30 June 2026 at 12:57 AM BST.
- May 2026 features a rare Blue Moon (second full moon in a month) which is also a micro full moon.
- The most searched full moon names include Strawberry Moon (June), Wolf Moon (January), and Harvest Moon (September).
- 2026 includes two super new moons (16 May and 14 June) which occur opposite to full moons.
- There are 13 full moons in 2026, one more than usual.
- The next new moon is on 15 June 2026 at 3:54 AM BST.
| Date (2026) | Full Moon Name | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 January | Wolf Moon | – |
| 1 February | Snow Moon | – |
| 3 March | Worm Moon | – |
| 2 April | Pink Moon | – |
| 1 May | Flower Moon | – |
| 31 May | Blue Moon | 9:45 AM |
| 30 June | Strawberry Moon | 12:57 AM |
| 29 July | Buck Moon | – |
| 28 August | Sturgeon Moon | – |
| 26 September | Harvest Moon / Corn Moon | – |
Full moon dates 2026: the complete UK calendar
The Royal Observatory Greenwich publishes a full moon calendar each year with traditional names rooted in North American and European folklore. In 2026, the sequence includes a Blue Moon in May, which pushes the usual Strawberry Moon to June. The calendar below covers all 13 full moons, as listed by RMG and Sky at Night Magazine.
The term “Blue Moon” commonly refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month. Historically it also meant the third full moon in a season with four full moons. In 2026, the Blue Moon on 31 May fits the modern definition. It also coincides with a micro moon, meaning the Moon appears slightly smaller than average.
Monthly breakdown
- January 3 – Wolf Moon
- February 1 – Snow Moon
- March 3 – Worm Moon
- April 2 – Pink Moon
- May 1 – Flower Moon
- May 31 – Blue Moon
- June 30 – Strawberry Moon
- July 29 – Buck Moon
- August 28 – Sturgeon Moon
- September 26 – Harvest Moon / Corn Moon
- October 26 – Hunter’s Moon
- November 24 – Beaver Moon
- December 24 – Cold Moon
Is it a full moon tonight? How to check the current moon phase in the UK
As of today, the Moon is in a waxing gibbous phase, meaning it is more than half illuminated and growing towards full. It is not yet a full moon. For real‑time verification, dedicated phase trackers like moonphases.co.uk – Current Moon Phase show the exact illumination percentage and the time until the next full moon.
Using online tools to confirm tonight’s phase
Several services offer live moon phase data for UK locations. Timeanddate.com – Moon Phases for London provides a monthly calendar and precise rise/set times. The Royal Observatory also includes phase information in its astronomy guides. Checking these sources gives an instant answer to whether tonight is a full moon.
What is the spiritual meaning of the next full moon in the UK?
Modern spiritual and wellness traditions often attach symbolic meanings to each full moon. For the Strawberry Moon in June, common interpretations centre on ripening, abundance, and harvesting the results of earlier efforts. According to the lifestyle site Ebb & Flo Living, the Strawberry Moon symbolises “ripening and enjoying the sweetness of what’s grown.”
These meanings are folkloric and vary widely between traditions. The Royal Observatory notes that the name Strawberry Moon comes from the June strawberry harvest, not from any astronomical event. There is no scientific basis for spiritual interpretations, but they remain popular in lifestyle and self‑care communities.
Because spiritual associations are not standardised, different sources may assign different attributes to the same moon. The Strawberry Moon is sometimes linked with love, fertility, or growth, depending on the tradition. Always consider the source when reading about lunar symbolism.
What is the timeline of full moons in 2026?
- 3 January 2026 – Wolf Moon
- 1 February 2026 – Snow Moon
- 3 March 2026 – Worm Moon
- 2 April 2026 – Pink Moon
- 1 May 2026 – Flower Moon
- 31 May 2026 – Blue Moon
- 30 June 2026 – Strawberry Moon
- 29 July 2026 – Buck Moon
- 28 August 2026 – Sturgeon Moon
- 26 September 2026 – Harvest Moon
Dates are based on UK times from the Royal Museums Greenwich and Sky at Night Magazine.
What is known and what remains unclear about the 2026 full moons?
Established information
- Full moon dates and times for 2026 are astronomically precise.
- Traditional names are commonly used but not officially standardized.
- The Blue Moon on 31 May 2026 is the second full moon in May.
Information that remains unclear
- Exact names and ordering may vary between sources (e.g., Strawberry Moon timing depends on whether May’s second full moon is called Blue Moon).
- Spiritual meanings are subjective and vary by tradition.
- Whether a specific full moon is considered a supermoon can differ depending on the definition used.
Why does the 2026 full moon calendar include a Blue Moon?
The 2026 lunar year contains 13 full moons because the lunar cycle of about 29.5 days does not align perfectly with the Gregorian calendar. When a month has two full moons, the second one is popularly called a Blue Moon. In 2026, May has two: the Flower Moon on 1 May and the Blue Moon on 31 May. This extra moon shifts the naming of subsequent full moons, so June’s full moon is the Strawberry Moon rather than May’s.
The Royal Observatory explains that the term “Blue Moon” historically referred to the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. Both definitions are accepted, but the “second in a month” version is now more widespread.
What do authoritative sources say about the next full moon?
The next full Moon is on 30 June 2026 at 12.57am in the UK. This is popularly known as a ‘Strawberry Moon’.
— Royal Museums Greenwich
Blue Moon: May 31 (second Full Moon in single calendar month); Micro Full Moon: May 31
— Timeanddate.com
The next full Moon is the Strawberry Moon, the seventh full Moon of 2026, which rises on 30 June.
— Sky at Night Magazine
What comes after the June 2026 full moon?
After the Strawberry Moon on 30 June, the next full moon will be the Buck Moon on 29 July 2026. For those interested in darker skies for stargazing, the new moon on 15 June 2026 offers the best conditions. The next Blue Moon after May 2026 is not expected until 2027. Whether you follow lunar phases for astronomy or personal rituals, the 2026 calendar provides a rich sequence of events to track.
For more on nature and wildlife, read our guide: What Do Hedgehogs Eat – Complete Guide to Wild and Pet Diets. And if you’re planning your evening, check Best TV Tonight UK – Top Free Primetime Picks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a micro full moon?
A micro full moon occurs when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth (apogee), making it appear slightly smaller than usual.
Why is the May 2026 full moon called a Blue Moon?
Because there are two full moons in May 2026. The second full moon in a calendar month is traditionally called a Blue Moon.
What time does the full moon rise in the UK?
Rise times vary by location. For London, sites like timeanddate.com provide precise times. Typically a full moon rises around sunset.
Is the next full moon a supermoon?
No. The next full moon in June 2026 is not a supermoon. The next supermoon likely occurs in January 2026 (first full moon) and later in the year.
What is a Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon is the traditional name for June’s full moon, derived from the strawberry harvest season. It has no astronomical speciality.
How many full moons are there in 2026?
There are 13 full moons in 2026 because the lunar cycle does not align exactly with the calendar year. This results in a Blue Moon in May.
Where can I check the current moon phase for the UK?
Online tools like moonphases.co.uk and timeanddate.com provide live phase displays for any UK location.
Does the spiritual meaning of the Strawberry Moon have scientific basis?
No. Spiritual meanings are symbolic and vary by tradition. The name “Strawberry Moon” comes from seasonal folklore, not astronomy.
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