Moon Phases 2026 — Lunar Calendar

Track every full moon, new moon, and quarter phase throughout 2026 with our interactive lunar calendar.

2026 Moon Phase Timeline

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

January 2026

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

🌑 New Moon🌓 First Quarter🌕 Full Moon🌗 Last Quarter

Complete 2026 Moon Phase Guide

The moon goes through a complete cycle of phases approximately every 29.5 days, moving from new moon to full moon and back again. Our 2026 lunar calendar shows all major moon phases for the entire year, helping you plan activities that depend on moonlight, tides, or simply the beauty of the night sky. Whether you are a gardener planting by the moon, an astronomer planning observation sessions, or a photographer seeking the perfect full moon shot, this calendar has you covered.

Full Moon Dates in 2026

In 2026, there are 12 full moons occurring roughly once each month. The first full moon of the year falls on January 13, and the last on December 4. Full moons are the best time for nighttime outdoor activities, wildlife observation, and astrophotography. Many cultures also associate full moons with festivals and traditions. Each full moon has a traditional name — for example, the January full moon is often called the Wolf Moon, while July's is known as the Buck Moon.

New Moon Dates in 2026

New moons occur when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth. The 2026 new moons begin on January 29 and occur monthly through December 20. New moon nights are ideal for stargazing and deep-sky observation since there is no moonlight to wash out faint celestial objects. Gardeners who follow lunar planting calendars often start new crops around the new moon phase, as it is traditionally associated with new beginnings and growth.

Understanding the Lunar Cycle

The four major moon phases — new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter — divide each lunar cycle into roughly equal segments. Between these major phases are the intermediate phases: waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous, and waning crescent. Our interactive calendar lets you click on any day in 2026 to see the approximate illumination percentage and phase name, making it easy to understand exactly where the moon is in its cycle on any given date. All data is pre-computed for accuracy and loads instantly in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next full moon in 2026?

The full moons in 2026 occur on January 13, February 12, March 14, April 12, May 12, June 11, July 10, August 9, September 7, October 7, November 5, and December 4. Check the timeline above to find the next one relative to today's date.

How accurate are the moon phase dates?

The major moon phase dates (new moon, first quarter, full moon, last quarter) are accurate to within one day. The daily illumination percentages between major phases are approximate values calculated using linear interpolation, which is sufficient for general planning purposes.

What is the difference between waxing and waning?

Waxing means the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing (from new moon toward full moon). Waning means the illuminated portion is decreasing (from full moon toward the next new moon). The first half of the lunar cycle is waxing, and the second half is waning.

Can I use this lunar calendar for gardening?

Yes! Many gardeners plant by the moon. The general guideline is to plant above-ground crops during the waxing moon (new moon to full moon) and root crops during the waning moon (full moon to new moon). Use our calendar to find the optimal planting windows throughout 2026.