Get ready for the first full moon of 2026.
According to NASA, the first full moon of the year occurred on January 3 this year. On this day, the near side of the Moon is fully illuminated as it orbits the Earth opposite the Sun.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, January’s full moon is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon.
January’s full moon will also be a supermoon, a phenomenon that causes the moon to appear slightly larger and brighter than average, according to NASA.
The Wolf Moon also kicks off a year of major lunar events – 2026 will also see a total lunar eclipse in March and a partial lunar eclipse in August.
More: Blue Moon, Lunar Eclipse and Super Moon. What’s to come in 2026.
When is the first full moon in 2026? Rush hour?
The first full moon of 2026, called the Wolf Moon, will occur on Saturday, January 3.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, today’s moon phase, and the time and date, the peak will be after 5 a.m. ET.
Why is January’s full moon called the Wolf Moon?
Each full moon of the year has a nickname used by astrologers and publications such as the Farmer’s Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac. January’s full moon is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon.
The name “Wolf Moon” is thought to be rooted in Aboriginal, Celtic or Old English culture. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, one reasonable explanation for the origin of the name is that the howling of wolves is more likely to be heard in midwinter.
The Wolf Moon will also be a supermoon
The Harvest Moon supermoon will set over Wisconsin on Friday, September 29, 2023.
The first full moon of 2026 is also a supermoon.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at the point closest to Earth in the moon’s monthly orbit. As a result, it appears larger and brighter than normal, according to NASA.
Full moon date in 2026
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the 2026 full moon will occur on the following dates:
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Worm Moon (Total Lunar Eclipse) – March 3
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strawberry moon – June 29
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sturgeon moon (Partial Lunar Eclipse) – August 28
Melina Khan is a nationally featured reporter for USA TODAY. You can contact her at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The first full moon of 2026 is the Wolf Moon. That’s what it means.
