May Full Moon 2026...
When is the Flower Moon in 2026? The May Flower Moon peaks on May 1, 2026. Learn the exact time, its meaning, and why May 2026 has two Full Moons.
starwalk.spaceHere are the latest widely reported details about the May 2026 full moons.
Overview
- May 2026 has two full moons: the first on May 1, 2026, and the second on May 31, 2026. This makes May 2026 one of the few months with a second full moon, often called a blue moon in popular usage.[2][4][5]
First full moon
- Date and time: May 1, 2026, around 17:23 UTC (1:23 PM Eastern Time). This is the traditional Flower Moon in many cultures.[3][2]
Second full moon (Blue Moon)
- Date and time: May 31, 2026, around 08:45 UTC (4:45 AM Eastern Time). This is the second full moon in May 2026.[5][2][3]
Viewing tips
- The full moons are bright and best viewed in clear skies; the exact peak moment is brief, so you’ll likely see a near-full moon on the surrounding nights as well.[3][5]
- If you’re using astronomy apps or sky calendars, you can tune to your local time to see the moon’s phase for May 1 and May 31, 2026, and plan around civil twilight for optimal viewing.[2][3]
Additional context
- May 2026 also includes other lunar phases (last quarter around May 9, new moon May 16, first quarter May 23) which helps plan viewing around the broader lunar cycle.[2]
- Some outlets describe the May 31 moon as a “blue moon” in the common sense (second full moon in a month), though it’s not a true astronomical blue moon; it’s a calendar-based designation.[4][5]
If you’d like, I can tailor viewing times to your exact location in Los Angeles and suggest optimal nights and local rise/set times for the two May 2026 full moons.