The 12 full moons and how they were named: Pink, Harvest, Beaver moon and more
Wolf moon - January
A wolf moon rises over downtown Des Moines, IA on January 1, 2018. The moon is distorted by the layers of atmosphere the photo is shot through when so close to the horizon. January was named the wolf moon because howling wolves are often heard this time of year.
Snow moon - FebruaryThe nearly full snow moon rises over Lake Michigan near the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee, WI on February 19, 2019. February is referred to as the snow moon because more snow commonly falls during this month than any other.
Flower moon - May
Clint and Kaylee Frazier walk over a hill as a super flower moon rises over Fountain Hills, AZ on May 6, 2020. The appearance of abundant flowers at this time inspired the name of this moon.
Strawberry moon - June
The strawberry moon, the first full moon of summer, rises above the Santa Rosa mountains looking east from Palm Springs, CA on June 21, 2024. This moon was named because ripe strawberries were ready to be gathered around this time.
Buck moon - July
A sailboat passes by a full supermoon, called the buck moon, as it rises over Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, WI on July 13, 2022. July marks the time when the antlers of bucks (male deer) are in full growth mode.
Sturgeon moon - August
August's full moon, known as the sturgeon moon, as seen from Viera, FL on August 1, 2023. The sturgeon moon was named after the freshwater fish called lake sturgeon.
Hunter's moon - OctoberThe full hunter's moon rises over Barnstable Harbor, MA on October 20, 2021. As you may have guessed, October is named the hunter's moon because October is prime hunting season.
Beaver moon - November
A beautiful sunrise accompanied a setting full beaver moon from Fort Myers Beach, FL on November 12, 2019. November is the time when beavers finish preparing for winter and retreat to their lodges.
Cold moon - December The full cold moon rises in Fayetteville, NC on December 12, 2008. The Mohawk people called December's moon the cold moon because it marks the first month of winter.
