April Full Moon 2026: The Pink Moon Sets Easter Date 2026
The Full Moon in April (known as the Pink Moon) will take place in the constellation Virgo on Thursday, April 2. The brightest dot near the Moon will be Spica, the most prominent star in Virgo. This Full Moon is also special for another reason — it determines the date of Easter in 2026. 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 2026 Moon Dates & Time
- April Full Moon in Virgo
- April Pink Moon meaning: Is the Moon actually pink?
- April Full Moon alternative names
- When is the next Full Moon?
- April Full Moon 2026: Key takeaways
April 2026 Moon Dates & Time
April Moon phases 2026
Here are the exact dates and times for the key lunar phases in April 2026:
- Full Moon: April 2, 02:12 GMT
- Last Quarter: April 10, 04:52 GMT
- New Moon: April 17, 11:52 GMT
- First Quarter: April 24, 02:32 GMT
When is the Full Moon in April 2026?
This month, the Moon will reach its full phase on April 2 at 02:12 GMT. 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.
When is the New Moon in April 2026?
The New Moon will occur on April 17, at 11:52 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.
April Full Moon in Virgo
In 2026, as in most years, the April Full Moon will occur in the constellation Virgo, near its brightest star, Spica.
Astrologers say that April's full moon is in Scorpio, a sign supposedly associated with intensity and emotion. But in fact, if you look up, the Full Moon spends the whole night in the constellation Virgo – nowhere near Scorpius. You can easily confirm this for yourself using the Sky Tonight app.
Occasionally, the April Full Moon may be in Libra, but this only happens when the full phase falls right at the end of April. The next time this will happen will be in 2037.
Spica, the bright star near the Full Moon
On April 3, at 00:13 GMT, the Full Moon will pass within 2°30′ 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 -12.3) 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 app. 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
The Pink Moon of April is often seen as a symbol of renewal, rebirth, and gentle, heart-opening energy. This full moon reminds us that the ideas, intentions, and relationships we planted in winter are now blossoming. Many see this time as an opportunity to release old hurts, deepen compassion, and embrace growth. However, remember that these meanings aren't based on astronomy.
April Full Moon alternative names
Here are some examples of what the April Full Moon is called in different cultures:
- Chinese: Peony Moon
- Celtic: Growing Moon
- Wiccan: Seed Moon
- Cherokee: Flower Moon
- Southern Hemisphere: Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon
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.

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
The Full Pink Moon in 2026 will take place on April 2 at 02:12 GMT. It got its name after a pink wildflower (Phlox subulata) that blooms this month. Although the Moon won’t turn pink, it’s still worth looking at, especially as the evenings get warmer in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere, where the April Full Moon goes by other names, also shouldn’t miss it. Use the Sky Tonight app to find out when the Full Moon will rise in your location.
We wish you clear skies and successful observations!