If you’re anything like me, “it’s because it’s a full moon” has become one of the most popular phrases in my repertoire in recent years, used to explain away bad sleep and odd moods. Whether or not there’s any link between that and the full moon appearing in the sky is yet to be proven, but nevertheless, I like to know when the next one is coming.
The next full moon, called the Harvest Moon, will appear in the sky this weekend, with the peak occurring at 17:49 BST on Saturday (26 September). There is also a chance that it could have a slight reddish or orange tint to it as it rises in the sky.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
Traditionally, the full moon closest to the autumn equinox is named the Harvest Moon, so it could occur in September or October, with it falling on the former this year.
What is the autumn equinox, I hear you ask? It’s when the day is exactly equal to the night and the official start of a new season. Bring on the crunchy leaves and cosy vibes, please.
The name itself comes from farmers being able to gather crops into the night, thanks to the moonlight after the sun had set.
How to catch a glimpse of the Harvest Moon
The weather forecast for Birmingham over the weekend suggests clear skies and bright weather, which is perfect for spotting the moon in the sky. However, there is some rain and cloud predicted for Sunday.
As always, the best time to see the full moon is during moonrise, just as the sun sets, to spot its seemingly larger appearance near the horizon.
Full moon schedule for 2026:
Saturday, September 26 – Harvest Moon
Monday, October 26 – Hunter’s Moon
Tuesday, November 24 – Beaver Moon, supermoon
Wednesday, December 23 – Cold Moon, supermoon
