Full Buck Moon 2026: When Is the July Full Moon 2026 & What Is Its Meaning
See the Full Buck Moon in July! It will take place on Wednesday, July 29. The Full Moon will be in the constellation Capricornus. Get the Sky Tonight app to easily navigate the night sky, identify the constellation of the Full Moon and nearby celestial objects. Keep reading and learn the best way to observe the Full Buck Moon and why it has such an unusual name.
Contents
- July 2026: Moon Phases Calendar
- When Is the Next Full Moon 2026?
- July Full Moon in Capricornus
- What Is the July Full Moon Called?
- F.A.Q.
- Full Moon on July 29, 2026: conclusion
July 2026: Moon Phases Calendar
- Last Quarter: July 7, 19:29 GMT
- New Moon: July 14, 09:43 GMT
- First Quarter: July 21, 11:06 GMT
- Full Moon: July 29, 14:36 GMT
To find out exactly when the Moon will be above the horizon at your location, check the Moon tab in the calendar feature of Sky Tonight, or visit the Moon phases section on our website. There, you will find the lunar phases for each day, with moonrise and moonset times for where you live and additional information.
When Is the Full Moon in July 2026?
On July 29, at 14:36 GMT, the Moon will reach its full phase. However, the exact timing isn't crucial for observers because, to the naked eye, the Moon will appear full the day before and after this moment too, with over 98% of the lunar disk illuminated. That’s why we talk about the Full Moon as an event that lasts all night, rather than a moment.
When Will the July Full Moon Rise?
Like any other Full Moon, the July Full Moon will rise along the eastern horizon at sunset and set in the west just before dawn. In the Northern Hemisphere, where nights are shorter this time of year, the Moon will remain quite low in the sky, even at midnight. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Moon will reach a high position in the sky. You can learn more about this phenomenon from our article on the June Full Moon.
When Is the New Moon in July 2026?
The New Moon occurs on July 14 at 09:43 GMT. It is the perfect time for stargazing! With the sky free of moonlight, you can spot some July meteors or challenge yourself with deep-sky observations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced stargazer, there’s plenty to see! Need help finding the best celestial targets? The Visible Tonight feature in the Sky Tonight app will guide you to the brightest objects visible from your exact location.
When Is the Next Full Moon 2026?
The next Full Moon after July 19 is on August 28, at 04:18 GMT. Traditionally, it’s called the Sturgeon Moon – a name that comes from North America, where lake sturgeon were most plentiful at this time of year.
When Is the Next Buck Moon?
The Buck Moon is the traditional name for the Full Moon in July. In 2026, the Buck Moon is on July 29, at 14:36 GMT. The next Buck Moon will occur on July 18, 2027.
July Full Moon in Capricornus
The Full Moon in July 2026 will be in the constellation Capricornus, which belongs to the zodiac family.
The July Full Moon can appear in either of two zodiac constellations: Capricornus or, more frequently, Sagittarius. If you want to check which constellation the Moon is in tonight, the Sky Tonight app can help. It displays a real-time sky map that matches your location.
What Is the July Full Moon Called?
In different cultures, Full Moons often receive names that reflect the peculiarities of a particular season. For example, the July Full Moon is sometimes called the Halfway Summer Moon because it rises in the middle of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Its other common name is Thunder Moon because of the frequent thunderstorms in July.
Some July Full Moon names refer to animals. For instance, the Algonquin tribes of the northeastern United States named it “Buck Moon”, while American Indians in Alaska refer to it as the “Salmon Moon”.
In Anglo-Saxon culture, the July Full Moon was called the “Hay Moon” because it marked the time when farmers harvested and stored hay for the winter. A North American Indian tribe, the Mohawk, calls it the “Time Of Much Ripening,” a nod to the abundant ripening across the United States during this period. The Shawnee from the Midwest name it the Blackberry Moon, while the Lakota refer to this Full Moon as “When The Chokecherries Are Black.”
Full Buck Moon Meaning
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the popular Native American name for the July Full Moon is the Buck Moon. The young male deer (bucks) are sprouting new antlers this time of the year. By the end of July, most bucks’ antlers are fully formed, and the hardening process begins.
Buck Moon: Spiritual Meaning
The Buck Moon is connected to themes of growth and maturity. The Moon invites us to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we’re going. It encourages setting intentions, recommitting to goals, and blending joy with responsibility. While none of this is based in astronomy, it’s just another cause to honor our own growth under the Full Moon’s glow.
July Full Moon Alternative Names
Here are some other July Full Moon names coined by different cultures:
- Chinese: Hungry Ghost Moon;
- Celtic: Moon of Claiming;
- Wiccan: Mead Moon;
- Cherokee: Ripe Corn Moon;
- Southern Hemisphere: Wolf Moon, Old Moon, Ice Moon.
F.A.Q.
Is There an Orange Full Moon in July 2026?
The July Full Moon will be closer to the horizon in the Northern Hemisphere than a usual Full Moon, so it will not only look bigger (due to the effect called the Moon illusion) but also may change color. When the Moon is low, its light passes through more air, so it can look orange, pink, or red – the same effect causes our beautiful sunsets. Enjoy the view at the moonrise or moonset to see the intense color.
Is There a Supermoon in July 2026?
The Full Moon on July 29, 2026, is a regular Full Moon. The next Supermoon is on November 24, 2026. However, the July Full Moon may appear bigger than usual for observers in the Northern Hemisphere, because it stays longer near the horizon.
What Sign Is the Full Moon in July in?
In July 2026, the Full Moon will be in the zodiac constellation Capricornus. Astrologers also say that the Full Moon will be in the sign of Capricorn. This is a rare case when astronomical zodiac constellations and astrological signs correspond. But it is not always this way. Check out our infographic to learn the difference.
What Is the Best Way to See the July Full Moon 2026?
The Full Moon will be seen all night long if the weather is good and no obstacles hinder your view. You can easily observe it with the naked eye or take a pair of binoculars or a small telescope to explore its craters. If you decide to use optics, better take filters because the Moon will be pretty bright – it won’t harm your eyes, but the shadows on the lunar surface will get fainter. Also, use the app Sky Tonight to find out the exact time and properties of the Full Moon for your location. If you want to take a stunning photo of this month’s Full Moon, the app Ephemeris will help you set up the composition by showing you how the lunar disk will look in a chosen location.
Full Moon on July 29, 2026: conclusion
The Full Moon will occur on July 29, at 14:36 GMT. Native Americans call it the Buck Moon, because, in July, the young male deer (bucks) are sprouting new antlers. The July Full Moon will be unusually low above the horizon in the Northern Hemisphere sky and higher than usual in the Southern Hemisphere. Want to see its exact position and rise time in your area? Use the Sky Tonight app for real-time tracking.
