March Full Moon 2026: Red Full Moon in Leo
The Full Worm Moon will shine on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This one will be extra special — in some parts of the world, it will turn red during a total lunar eclipse. Want to know exactly when the Moon rises and whether the eclipse will be visible from your location? Just open the free astronomy app Sky Tonight. Read on to find out the meaning behind the March Full Moon’s peculiar name and learn about a lunar eclipse that coincides with it!
Contents
- March 2026 Moon Dates & Time
- March Full Moon in Leo 2026
- March Blood Moon — Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3-4, 2026
- What is the name of the Full Moon that occurs in March?
- When is the next Full Moon?
- March Full Moon 2026: Key takeaways
March 2026 Moon Dates & Time
March Moon phases 2026
Different Moon phases are good for different types of observations. The Full Moon shines the brightest, the New Moon, on the contrary, doesn’t obstruct the view of the stars, and the quarter phases are best for observing the Moon’s features through a telescope. So, here are the Moon phases in March 2026:
- Full Moon: March 3, 11:38 GMT
- Last Quarter: March 11, 09:39 GMT
- New Moon: March 19, 01:23 GMT
- First Quarter: March 25, 19:18 GMT
When is the Full Moon in March 2026?
The March Full Moon will occur at 11:38 GMT on March 3 and will be located in the constellation Leo.
The Full Moon will climb to the highest point in the sky around midnight local time. But our advice is to start observations just after the Moon rises fully above the horizon — at this time, it looks bigger than usual and appears orange.
To find out when the Moon rises above the horizon, use the astronomical app Sky Tonight. The app also shows the lunar disk’s size and its illumination, based on your location.
How long does the Full Moon last?
The Full Moon time mentioned above is the time when the Moon and the Sun are aligned on opposite sides of the Earth, and our natural satellite is 100% illuminated by the Sun. But even after the Moon passes this moment, it appears as a complete circle in the sky to the unaided eye. So, in this case, timing is not so important — the Moon will appear to be full from around March 2 through March 4
March Full Moon in Leo 2026
The March Full Moon will shine in the constellation Leo, appearing near the bright bluish star Regulus, also known as the “Little King.” Regulus sits right in the heart of Leo and is easily visible to the naked eye.
Astrologers may say that the Full Moon on March 3 is in the sign of Virgo, but zodiac signs don’t fully correspond to the actual constellations in the sky. If you want to check for yourself, simply open the Sky Tonight app, point it at the Moon, and you’ll see exactly which constellation it’s in.
March Blood Moon — Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3-4, 2026
In 2026, the March Full Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse. During this spectacular event, the Moon will turn red for 58 minutes — the duration of the total phase. The maximum of the eclipse will occur on March 3 at 11:33 GMT.
The deep reddish hue of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse gives it its eerie name — the Blood Moon. But don't worry, it's just a beautiful astronomical event and not a bad omen!
The eclipse will be visible from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. You can check if the eclipse is visible in your location using the Sky Tonight app
No eclipse in your area? Look ahead! Discover the next solar and lunar eclipses you can plan for.
What is the name of the Full Moon that occurs in March?
Worm Moon meaning
The Full Moons' names reflect the peculiarities of the lunar months in which they occur. For example, in America and Europe, the Full Moon in March is called the Worm Moon because this month, the earthworms start to appear in the soil which finally warms up after the cold winter season. By the way, worms attract robins and other birds, who are truly the sign of spring!
March Full Moon alternative names
What about other parts of the world, besides America and Europe? Here are some examples of what the Full Moon in March is called in other cultures:
- Chinese: Sleepy Moon
- Celtic: Moon of Winds
- Wicca: Chaste Moon
- Cherokee: Windy Moon
- Southern Hemisphere: Harvest Moon, Corn Moon
Worm Moon: Spiritual Meaning
The Worm Moon is often seen as a symbol of renewal and emotional unfreezing, inviting us to let go of old burdens and prepare for growth. It’s said to encourage gentle introspection, reminding us that even slow, unseen progress matters. While these meanings are rooted in folk wisdom rather than astronomy, they offer a beautiful way to feel the nature’s rhythm.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon, known as the Pink Moon, will take place on April 2, 2026, at 02:12 GMT. Learn the origin of this name and other useful information about it in the dedicated article.
When is the next Worm Moon?
The Worm Moon is a traditional name for the March Full Moon, so the next Full Worm Moon after March 3, 2026, will occur on March 22, 2027.
March Full Moon 2026: Key takeaways
In March 2026, the Full Moon, also known as the Worm Moon, will occur on March 3 at 11:38 GMT. Also, the 2026 Full Worm Moon will coincide with a total lunar eclipse, during which it will turn red for about an hour. Use the Sky Tonight app to find out when the Full Moon will rise in your location, and stay up-to-date with astronomy news by following us on social media.
We wish you clear skies and happy stargazing!
