April Full Moon 2026: Pink Moon Date & Time, Meaning, and Easter Date
The April 2026 Full Moon (Pink Moon) peaks on April 2, 2026 at 02:11 UTC/GMT — 3:11 AM in the UK (BST) or 10:11 PM ET / 9:11 PM CT / 8:11 PM MT / 7:11 PM PT on April 1 in the US. It will take place in the constellation Virgo. This Full Moon is also special for another reason — it determines the date of Western Easter 2026 (April 5). Want to learn about the Full Moon’s rising time in your city and identify nearby celestial objects? You can easily do it with the free astronomy app Sky Tonight. Read on, and you'll learn the meaning of the Pink Moon, its other names, and all the facts you need to know about the April Full Moon!
Contents
- April Full Moon 2026 at a glance
- April 2026 Moon Dates & Times (UTC/GMT, UK & US time zones)
- Is April’s Full Moon in Virgo or in Libra?
- April Pink Moon meaning: Is the Moon actually pink?
- April Full Moon alternative names
- April Full Moon 2026: Frequently asked questions
- April Full Moon 2026: Key takeaways
April Full Moon 2026 at a glance
- Date: Apr 2, 2026
- Peak time: 02:11 UTC/GMT (3:11 AM UK (BST) / 10:11 PM ET / 7:11 PM PT on Apr 1)
- Name & meaning: Pink Moon — named after spring blooms; often linked with renewal
- Where in the sky: constellation Virgo
- Type: Paschal Full Moon (sets Western Easter date)
- Next Full Moon: Flower Moon (May 1, 2026)
April 2026 Moon Dates & Times (UTC/GMT, UK & US time zones)
April Moon phases 2026
Here are the exact dates and times for the key lunar phases in April 2026:
- Full Moon: Apr 2, 02:11 UTC/GMT (3:11 AM UK (BST) / 10:11 PM ET, Apr 1 / 7:11 PM PT, Apr 1)
- Last Quarter: Apr 10, 04:51 UTC/GMT (5:51 AM UK (BST) / 12:51 AM ET / 9:51 PM PT, Apr 9)
- New Moon: Apr 17, 11:51 UTC/GMT (12:51 PM UK (BST) / 7:51 AM ET / 4:51 AM PT)
- First Quarter: Apr 24, 02:31 UTC/GMT (3:31 AM UK (BST) / 10:31 PM ET, Apr 23 / 7:31 PM PT, Apr 23)
When is the Full Moon in April 2026?
This month, the Moon reaches its full phase on April 2, 2026 at 02:11 UTC/GMT (3:11 AM UK (BST) / 10:11 PM ET on Apr 1). At this moment, it will be exactly 180 degrees opposite the Sun in celestial longitude.
In astronomy, the Full Moon is the exact moment in time, but to observers on Earth, the Moon looks full for about a day before and after that moment. You can see the bright, round lunar disk in the east in the evening, right above you at midnight, and in the west just before sunrise.
Full Moon April 2026: Time in the UK and the USA
- UK (BST): 3:11 AM on Apr 2
- US ET: 10:11 PM on Apr 1
- US CT: 9:11 PM on Apr 1
- US MT: 8:11 PM on Apr 1
- US PT: 7:11 PM on Apr 1
Is the Pink Moon tonight?
It can be — if the date in your location is close to April 2, 2026. The Pink Moon peaks at 02:11 UTC (GMT), but it can look full on the night before (April 1) and the night after (April 3) the exact moment.
What time does the Full Moon rise in April?
Because a Full Moon sits roughly opposite the Sun, it usually appears near the eastern horizon around sunset and stays in the sky most of the night, setting close to sunrise. The exact moonrise time depends on your location and the Moon’s path across the sky, so it can differ noticeably even between nearby cities.
Here are example moonrise times around the Pink Moon (local time):
- London, UK: 8:30 PM (Apr 2)
- Belfast, UK: 9:02 PM (Apr 2)
- Edinburgh, UK: 8:54 PM (Apr 2)
- New York, USA (ET): 7:14 PM (Apr 1)
- Chicago, USA (CT): 7:12 PM (Apr 1)
- Denver, USA (MT): 7:22 PM (Apr 1)
- Los Angeles, USA (PT): 7:13 PM (Apr 1)
Want the exact time for your city? In Sky Tonight, search for Moon, open it, and check:
- Events — Moonrise and moonset times for your location
- Figures — the current phase, illumination, and brightness
Tip: the most photogenic moment is often right after moonrise, when the Moon looks bigger and takes on warm colors near the horizon.
When is the New Moon in April 2026?
The New Moon will occur on April 17, at 11:51 GMT. During this event, the Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun, appearing as a darkened disc in the sky, invisible to the naked eye. The time around a New Moon is perfect for night sky observations — especially for viewing faint objects such as galaxies or star clusters, as the bright moonlight doesn't interfere.
Is April’s Full Moon in Virgo or in Libra?
Astronomically speaking, the April Full Moon is located in the constellation Virgo. You can easily confirm this using the Sky Tonight.
From an astrological perspective, however, April’s Full Moon in 2026 is considered a Full Moon in the sign of Libra. This is because zodiac signs are not strictly tied to the constellations visible in the sky. To learn more about why this happens, read our article about the difference between zodiac constellations and zodiac signs.
Occasionally, the April Full Moon may appear in Libra astronomically, but this only happens when the full phase falls right at the end of April. The next time, this will occur in 2037.
Spica, the bright star near the Full Moon
On April 3, at 01:32 GMT, the Full Moon will pass within 1.8° of the bluish star Spica. With a visual magnitude of 1.0, Spica is the 16th brightest star in the night sky. However, finding it near the luminous Full Moon (visual magnitude -12.5) can be challenging, especially in areas with significant light pollution. Try to observe the pair with binoculars.
To confirm you're looking at Spica, you can use the Sky Tonight. It will help you identify celestial objects effortlessly.
You can catch this celestial duo in the sky from dusk till dawn, with their highest point around midnight.
April Pink Moon meaning: Is the Moon actually pink?
Surely it is if you look at it through rose-colored glasses. In reality, though, this name was given to the April Full Moon by Native Americans to represent the color of the wild ground phlox. The phlox is one of the earliest flowers to bloom this month. No matter the color, walking under the Full Moon and enjoying the first spring flowers is a wonderful experience!
By the way, the Moon does appear in a spectrum of colors in visual and metaphorical senses. Take our quiz to learn more about the colors of the Moon!
Pink Moon: Spiritual Meaning
In modern spiritual and wellness traditions, the April Full Moon (Pink Moon) is often associated with renewal, fresh starts, and emotional “spring cleaning” — themes inspired by nature waking up after winter. Many people use it as a reminder to revisit intentions, let go of old patterns, and make space for growth.
That said, these interpretations aren’t part of astronomy — they’re cultural and personal, and they can differ widely depending on the tradition.
April Full Moon alternative names
April’s Full Moon is best known as the Pink Moon, but different cultures and traditions use different names — and even within one culture, names can vary by region and source.
- Peony Moon (China)
- Budding Moon / New Shoots Moon / Seed Moon / Growing Moon (Celts)
- Moon of the Red Grass Appearing (Oglala — Northern Plains, USA)
- Budding Moon of Plants and Shrubs (Tlingit — Pacific Northwest, USA)
- Sprouting Grass Moon (used by multiple Indigenous groups in the USA)
- Moon of Blackberry (Choctaw — Southeastern US)
- Moon of the Big Leaves (Apache — Southwestern US)
- Planting Corn Moon (Winnebago — Great Lakes region, USA)
- Fish Moon (tribes of the Pacific Northwest, USA)
- Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs (Cheyenne — the Great Plains, USA)
- Breaking Ice Moon (Algonquin — Northeast & eastern Canada)
- Moon When the Streams are Navigable Again (Dakota — Northern Plains, USA)
- When Wives Crack Bones for Marrow Fat (Lakota / Teton Sioux — Great Plains, USA)
- Paschal Moon (Western Christian tradition)
- Passover Moon (Jewish tradition)
- Awakening Moon (Neo-Pagan traditions)
Seasonal names of Full Moons in the Southern Hemisphere are often shifted by 6 months compared to the Northern Hemisphere:
- Harvest Moon / Corn Moon (Southern Hemisphere)
Paschal Full Moon 2026: Determining the Easter Date
This April’s Full Pink Moon is the Paschal Full Moon, which determines the date of Easter. A Paschal Full Moon is the first Full Moon after the March equinox, which in 2026 falls on March 20. According to the traditional rule, the Western (Roman Catholic and Protestant) Christian churches celebrate Easter on the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, therefore, in 2026 Easter will be observed on April 5.
Chaitra Purnima and the April Full Moon 2026
In 2026, the Full Moon on April 2 coincides with Chaitra Purnima, an important observance in Hindu tradition that marks the Full Moon of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Chaitra Purnima is commonly associated with spiritual renewal, fasting (vrat), charity, and prayer, and is observed by devotees across India (with regional names and customs varying by tradition).
April Full Moon 2026: Frequently asked questions
When is the Pink Moon in 2026?
The Pink Moon reaches its exact Full Moon moment at 02:11 UTC (GMT) on April 2, 2026. Depending on your time zone, the peak may fall late on April 1 or early on April 2. The Moon will still look full for about a day before and after this peak, so you can enjoy a bright, nearly full Moon on nearby nights even if you miss the exact time.
Is the Pink Moon actually pink?
No — the Moon doesn’t turn pink. “Pink Moon” is a traditional name for April’s Full Moon, linked to springtime blooms (often associated with wild ground phlox in North America). The Moon can look orange or reddish near the horizon, but that color comes from Earth’s atmosphere.
What does the Pink Moon mean?
In astronomy, it simply means the Full Moon in April. The “meaning” is mostly cultural: many traditional Full Moon names reflect seasonal changes in nature. In spiritual and modern wellness traditions, the Pink Moon is often seen as a time for renewal, fresh starts, and letting go of what no longer serves you.
Where is the April Full Moon in the sky?
In 2026, the April Full Moon is located in the constellation Virgo. It also appears not far from Spica, Virgo’s brightest star, which can look like a bright “companion” near the Moon. (The exact closeness depends on your location and the time you’re observing that night.)
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon after the Pink Moon will occur on May 1, 2026, at 17:23 GMT. Traditionally known as the Flower Moon, it marks the blooming season in the Northern Hemisphere. But May 2026 has a surprise in store — a second Full Moon on May 31, called a Blue Moon. Curious about what makes Blue Moons special and how often they appear? Check out our article to learn more!
When is the next Pink Moon?
The Pink Moon is the Full Moon that occurs in April, so the next Pink Moon after April 2, 2026, will take place next year — on April 20, 2027, at 22:27 GMT.
April Full Moon 2026: Key takeaways
- Date: April 2, 2026
- Peak moment (100% illumination): 02:11 UTC/GMT — 3:11 AM UK (BST); in the USA: 10:11 PM ET / 9:11 PM CT / 8:11 PM MT / 7:11 PM PT (Apr 1)
- Looks full to the eye: about three nights, around April 1–3 (local time).
- Where in the sky: Constellation Virgo
- Name & meaning: Pink Moon — named after spring blooms such as Phlox subulata; the Moon won’t actually turn pink.
- Bonus: This is the Paschal Full Moon, which sets the date of Western Easter 2026 (April 5).
To find the exact moonrise time and the Moon’s phase for your location, open the Sky Tonight, search for Moon, and check the Events tab (rise/set time) and Figures tab (illumination and phase).
We wish you clear skies and successful observations!
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