Full Moon in February 2026: Snow Moon
The second Full Moon of 2026, the Snow Moon, will occur on Sunday, February 1. The Moon will be in the constellation Cancer, near the famous Beehive star cluster. Want to know what bright dots are shining near the Moon right now? Use the Sky Tonight app. Now, let’s dive into all the details about February’s Full Moon.
Contents
- February 2026 Moon Dates & Times
- Is February’s Full Moon in Leo or in Cancer?
- What objects will be visible near the Full Moon in February 2026?
- What is a Snow Moon?
- February Full Moon 2026: Frequently asked questions
- Full Moon in February 2026: Key takeaways
February 2026 Moon Dates & Times
Moon phases in February 2026
- Full Moon: February 1, 22:09 GMT (5:09 p.m. EST)
- Last Quarter: February 9, 12:43 GMT (7:43 a.m. EST)
- New Moon: February 17, 12:01 GMT (7:01 a.m. EST) — Solar eclipse for penguins, Lunar New Year
- First Quarter: February 24, 12:28 GMT (7:28 a.m. EST)
You can learn the Moon’s phases for any month from the Moon Phases Calendar on our website.
When is the Full Moon in February 2026?
This month, the Moon will reach its full phase on Sunday, February 1, 22:09 GMT (5:09 p.m. EST). Remember that you don’t really need to know the exact time of this event to enjoy it, as the Moon will appear full on the nights around February 1. See exactly how the illumination of the lunar disc changes from day to day in the Sky Tonight app, using the Moon tab in the Calendar. Watch our video tutorial to learn how to use the Calendar in Sky Tonight.
What time does the Full Moon rise?
On the day of the Full Moon, the Moon is opposite the Sun in the sky, so it typically rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. However, the exact timing depends on your location.
To learn the precise moonrise time for where you are, use the Sky Tonight app. Open the app, tap the Magnifier icon, type “Moon” in the search field, and tap the corresponding search result. On the Figures tab, you’ll find info on the Moon’s current phase, visual magnitude, and illumination. On the Events tab, you can see the list of upcoming astronomical events related to the Moon, including the rise and set times.
February New Moon Brings an Annular Solar Eclipse & the Lunar New Year
The New Moon on February 17, 2026, at 12:01 GMT (7:01 a.m. EST) is no ordinary one — it coincides with two special events.
First, it brings an annular solar eclipse. At the eclipse’s maximum at 12:11 GMT (7:11 a.m. EST), the Moon will block about 96% of the Sun, leaving behind a glowing “ring of fire.” Unfortunately, this spectacular sight will only be visible from Antarctica. If you’re not there, don’t worry — more eclipses are coming soon! You can always check the eclipse calendar to plan ahead.
Second, this New Moon also marks the start of the Lunar New Year. It’s the second New Moon after the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The Lunar New Year celebrations last until the next Full Moon, which is on March 3, 2026. Learn more about the Lunar New Year in our dedicated article.
Is February’s Full Moon in Leo or in Cancer?
Astronomically speaking, the February Full Moon can appear in one of three constellations: the zodiac constellations Leo and Cancer, or the small non-zodiac constellation Sextans, located right next to Leo. In most years, the February Full Moon appears in Leo. However, 2026 will be special — the lunar disc will be positioned in the constellation Cancer.
From an astrological perspective, February’s Full Moon in 2026 is considered to be in the sign of Leo. This is because zodiac signs are not strictly tied to the constellations visible in the sky. You can read more about the difference between zodiac constellations and zodiac signs in our dedicated article.
What objects will be visible near the Full Moon in February 2026?
On February 1, the Full Moon will be positioned between Pollux in Gemini and Regulus in Leo — two prominent stars near the ecliptic. Over the course of the night the Moon will be slowly moving towards Regulus.
On the same night, the Full Moon will pass close to the Beehive Cluster (M44) in the constellation Cancer. The Moon and the cluster will reach their closest apparent approach at 13:19 GMT (8:19 a.m. EST). Although the pairing is visually striking, the Moon’s bright glare may make the Beehive Cluster difficult to see.
Observers in the USA, Canada, and Greenland will have a special opportunity to witness a lunar occultation of the Beehive Cluster, which begins at 11:21 GMT (6:21 a.m. EST) and ends at 15:00 GMT (10:00 a.m. EST).
What is a Snow Moon?
Traditionally, the February Full Moon is called the Snow Moon in North America and Europe. Unlike some other Full Moon names (like the Worm Moon or the Pink Moon), this name speaks for itself and doesn’t require much explanation. February is the month of the heaviest snowfalls in North America, so Native American tribes referred to it as the Snow Moon. Some tribes also called it the Hunger Moon because it was difficult to hunt under harsh weather conditions.
February Full Moon alternative names
Different cultures gave the February Full Moon different names. Here are some of them:
- Chinese: Budding Moon
- Celts: Ice Moon
- Cree (Canada & Northern US): Eagle Moon
- Cherokee (Southeastern US): Bony Moon
- Ojibwe (Southern Canada & Northern Plains, USA): Moon When the Bear Cubs Are Born
- Tlingit (Pacific Northwest, USA & Canada): Black Bear Moon
- Omaha (Central Plains, USA): Moon When Geese Come Home
- Haida (Alaska): Goose Moon
- Southern Hemisphere: Grain Moon, Barley Moon, Red Moon, Dog Moon
Snow Moon 2026: Spiritual Meaning
Spiritually, the Snow Moon is often associated with reflection, patience, and emotional clarity. It encourages letting go of what feels heavy or outdated, making space for renewal and gentle beginnings. This Full Moon also favors mindfulness, inner balance, and trust in the natural timing of change.
In astrology, the February Full Moon is linked to confidence, creativity, and self-expression, as it rises in the sign of Leo. It encourages bringing emotions to the surface and showing others who you truly are.
Magha Purnima and the February Full Moon 2026
In 2026, the Full Moon on February 1 coincides with Magha Purnima, an important observance in Hindu tradition that marks the Full Moon of the Magha month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Magha Purnima is traditionally associated with spiritual purification, charity, and reflection, and is observed by pilgrims and devotees across India and beyond.
February Full Moon 2026: Frequently asked questions
Why is February’s Full Moon called the Snow Moon?
February is often the snowiest month of the year in North America, so many Native American tribes named the Full Moon after the harsh winter conditions.
When is the Moon in Leo?
In astrology, the Moon is considered to be in Leo during the February 2026 Full Moon. Astronomically, however, the February Full Moon will be located in the constellation Cancer. In 2026, the Full Moon will be positioned in the constellation Leo on March 3.
The next Full Moon in Leo from both astrological and astronomical perspectives will occur only on February 28, 2029.
Is the February Full Moon 2026 a Supermoon?
No, the Full Moon on February 1, 2026, is not a Supermoon. The next Supermoon will occur on November 24, 2026 — it will be a Beaver Supermoon!
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon after the Full Snow Moon of 2026 will occur on March 3, 2026, at 11:38 GMT (6:38 a.m. EST). It is traditionally referred to as the Worm Moon. In 2026, the Full Worm Moon will coincide with a total lunar eclipse visible from USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Asia!
If you’d like to learn more about the March Full Moon and the origin of its name, read our article. Find out what bright stars will be visible near the March Full Moon using the Sky Tonight app.
When is the next Snow Moon?
The Snow Moon is a traditional name for the February Full Moon. The next Full Snow Moon after the one in 2026 will occur on February 20, 2027, at 23:23 GMT (6:23 p.m. EST). It will coincide with a penumbral lunar eclipse which will be fully visible over Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Full Moon in February 2026: Key takeaways
In February 2026, the Full Moon will occur on February 1 at 22:09 GMT (5:09 p.m. EST). It will be positioned in the constellation Cancer. Traditionally known as the Snow Moon, it gets its name from the heavy snowfall typical of this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere. Want to check how the Moon looks from your location on any day? Use the Moon tab in the Sky Tonight app’s calendar to explore its phase, position, and more!
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