Is the next full moon on Halloween? When October's full moon rises

October's full moon is almost here, but it isn't the Harvest Moon, often associated with the occasion, this year. Unlike the other "full moon titles," which are derived from Native American tradition, the title of Harvest Moon is given to the full moon that happens closest to the fall equinox. The O

Science Uncovered

SEE ALL

Rapid Read

North Carolina Universities Partner with NIH to Train Translational Scientists

Rapid Read

Texas A Researchers Discover Excess RNA Harms Mitochondria, Impacting Cellular Energy Production

Rapid Read

Tufts-Led Team Receives $4 Million Grant to Develop New Lyme Disease Vaccine and Therapies

What is the story about?

October's full moon is almost here, but it isn't the Harvest Moon, often associated with the occasion, this year.

Unlike the other "full moon titles," which are derived from Native American tradition, the title of Harvest Moon is given to the full moon that happens closest to the fall equinox. The Old Farmer's Almanac explains that this moon rises at roughly the same time for several evenings in a row; farmers have several evenings of moonlight to allow them to finish harvests before fall frost arrives.

Generally, the full moon that rises closest to the fall equinox falls in October. This year, it fell in September instead, making this year's full moon a Hunter's Moon. Here's when it rises this year and more.

When is the full moon in October? Is there a full moon on Halloween 2026?

Unfortunately, the full moon in October

just misses Halloween. The full Hunter’s Moon this year peaks on Monday, October 26 at 12:12 a.m. The moon will be a waning gibbous by Oct. 31.

When is the next full moon on Halloween?

The Old Farmer's Almanac explains that a full moon on Halloween is not a common occurrence, only happening every 18-19 years. The next Halloween full moon will occur on Oct. 31, 2039.

When was the last full moon?

The last full moon was September's Harvest Moon, which reached peak illumination Saturday, Sept. 26 at 12:49 p.m.

Is there a supermoon in October?

No, October's full moon is not a supermoon. The January Wolf Moon was the first supermoon of 2026, and the next supermoon will fall on Nov. 24.

Is the Harvest Moon in October?

No. The Harvest Moon, which is the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox, most often occurs in October. This year, however, September's full moon, usually referred to as the "Corn Moon," rose closest to the date.

Why is it called the Hunter's Moon?

The Old Farmer's Almanac says that the names of the 12 full moons of the year are derived from Native American tradition. In previous reporting by the Hendersonville Times-News. UNC Asheville Associate Professor of Astronomy Britt Lundren reminded readers that, when sharing the titles of the monthly moons, it's important to remember the cultural diversity of tribes in the U.S.

"Each tribe has a close relationship with the land, and their moon names will reflect the seasonal changes unique to their environments," Lundren said.

Other names used by indigenous people for October's moon include: