The Full Moons of 2023
Learn the name and meaning of the Full Moon every month
In Astrology, the Full Moon signals a time each month when we are able to take a clear look at what is happening in our lives so we can decide if we need to make changes. But culturally and historically speaking, the Full Moon has additional meaning that changes from month to month throughout the year.
The Full Moon stirs our emotions, so it's fitting that the Full Moon for each month has a different name and personality. Many of the Full Moon names date back to ancient tribes who followed the Full Moon to help keep track of the seasons.
Other Full Moon names have been created by different cultures around the world, and most of the Full Moons have more than one name -- although one is likely more widely used than the others. So, when is the next Full Moon in 2023? Keep reading to find out!
Full Moon January 2023: The Wolf Moon
Date: January 6, 2023
The Full Wolf Moon in January is named for the time when wolves could be heard howling with hunger in the heart of winter. Alternate names: Snow Moon or Old Moon.
Full Moon February 2023: The Snow Moon
Date: February 5, 2023
The Full Snow Moon in February is named for the time of the heaviest winter snowfall. This is also a time when hunting is more difficult, so it is also known as the Hunger Moon.
Full Moon March 2023: The Worm Moon
Date: March 7, 2023
The Full Worm Moon in March is named for the time of year when the temperature begins to warm, the earth softens, and earthworms begin to reappear, followed by the birds. Alternate names: The Sap Moon or the Crow Moon.
Full Moon April 2023: The Pink Moon
Date: April 6, 2023
The Full Pink Moon in April is named for the time of year when the earliest pink phlox and wildflowers begin to bloom. Alternate names: The Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, or the Fish Moon.
Full Moon May 2023: The Flower Moon
Date: May 5, 2023
The Full Flower Moon in May is named for the abundance of flowers that begin to bloom this month. Alternate names: The Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon.
Full Moon June 2023: The Strawberry Moon
Date: June 3, 2023
The Full Strawberry Moon in June is named for the time of year the Native American Algonquin tribes rush to gather ripe strawberries. Alternate names: The Honey Moon, the Rose Moon, or the Hot Moon.
Full Moon July 2023: The Thunder Moon or Buck Moon
Date: July 3, 2023
The Full Thunder Moon in July is named for the frequent thunderstorms at this time of year. Alternate names: The Buck Moon (for the time of year when buck deer begin to grow new antlers) or the Hay Moon.
First Full Moon August 2023: The Sturgeon Moon
Date: August 1, 2023
The Full Sturgeon Moon of August is named for the time when Native American fishing tribes can most easily catch this fish in certain lakes. Alternate names: The Green Corn Moon, the Red Moon, or the Grain Moon.
Second Full Moon August 2023: The Blue Moon
Date: August 31, 2023
August is serving up two full moons this year! This one is a Blue Moon because it’s the second full moon in a single calendar month. But why the color blue, if the Moon doesn't really change color? It's believed the word comes from an old Middle English word, "belewe," which actually means "betray." In other words, because this extra Full Moon didn't fit into the normal lunar cycle, people used to call it the Betrayer Moon. Over the years, the word "belewe" evolved into "blue" -- hence, the "Blue Moon."
Full Moon September 2023: The Corn Moon or Harvest Moon
Date: September 29, 2023
The Full Corn Moon of September is named for the time of year when Native Americans harvest corn. It's alternately called the Harvest Moon (which is the Full Moon closest to Fall Equinox and can happen in September or October) or the Barley Moon.
Full Moon October 2023: The Hunter's Moon
Date: October 28, 2023
The Full Hunter's Moon of October is named for the time of year when Native American tribes hunt for the fattest game and store provisions for winter. October's Full Moon may sometimes be called the Harvest Moon, when this Full Moon falls closest to the Fall Equinox. Alternate names: The Travel Moon or the Dying Moon.
Full Moon November 2023: The Beaver Moon
Date: November 27, 2023
The Full Beaver Moon of November is named for the time when Native Americans set their beaver traps before the water begins to freeze over. It's also the time of year beavers begin to prepare for winter. Alternate name: The Frosty Moon.
Full Moon December 2023: The Cold Moon or The Long Nights Moon
Date: December 26, 2023
The Full Cold Moon or Full Long Nights Moon of December is named for the mid-winter month in which the cold really takes hold and nights become long and dark. Alternate name: Yule Moon.
