Full Moon March 2026 (Blood Worm Moon): Date & Time, Meaning, Best Time to See
Worm Moon 2026 — the March Full Moon (also called the Full Worm Moon) — occurs on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 11:38 UTC — 6:38 AM EST / 5:38 AM CST / 4:38 AM MST / 3:38 AM PST in the USA. Best time to look up in the USA: around moonrise on the evening of March 2 (local time) — the Moon will appear full for several nights. This year’s March Full Moon also coincides with a total lunar eclipse (Blood Moon) on March 2–3 — see the full visibility map and timeline in our guide: Blood Moon 2026. For moonrise times in your exact location, use the free astronomy app Sky Tonight.
Contents
- March Full Moon 2026 (Worm Moon): At a glance
- What is a Worm Moon?
- Best time to see the Worm Moon in the USA
- March 2026 Moon Dates & Times
- What sign is the Full Moon in March 2026?
- Total Lunar Eclipse on March 2–3, 2026
- What is the March Full Moon called?
March Full Moon 2026 (Worm Moon): Frequently asked questions
- When is the Full Moon in March 2026?
- When is the Worm Moon 2026?
- What is the March Full Moon called?
- What constellation is the March Full Moon in?
- Is there a lunar eclipse during the March 2026 Full Moon?
- When is the next Full Moon after March 2026?
- When is the next Worm Moon?
- Is the March Full Moon 2026 a Supermoon?
- March Full Moon 2026: Key takeaways
March Full Moon 2026 (Worm Moon): At a glance
- Full Moon March 2026 peak (100% illumination): March 3, 2026 — 11:38 UTC (6:38 AM EST / 5:38 AM CST / 4:38 AM MST / 3:38 AM PST)
- Name: Worm Moon (Full Worm Moon)
- Where in the sky: Constellation Leo
- Special event: Total lunar eclipse — Blood Moon 2026 on March 2–3*
*The calendar date of the eclipse depends on your time zone (e.g., NZDT viewers see totality after midnight on March 4).
What is a Worm Moon?
A Worm Moon is the traditional name for the March Full Moon (the Full Moon in March) in North America. In other words, “Worm Moon” = “March Full Moon” — just a seasonal nickname.
Worm Moon meaning: why is it called the Worm Moon?
It’s called the Worm Moon because the ground begins to thaw and earthworms reappear — and birds like robins return to feed on them, signaling that spring is near. Some sources also connect the name with “worms” found in thawing tree bark — either way, it’s a spring-thaw Full Moon.
Blood Worm Moon 2026: what does it mean?
In 2026, the Worm Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse (a Blood Moon), so you may see the nickname “Blood Worm Moon” in headlines. For exact eclipse timing and a visibility map, see our guide: Blood Moon 2026.
Best time to see the Worm Moon in the USA
The Worm Moon 2026 date is March 3, but the best viewing in the United States is actually the evening before — on March 2, around moonrise (local time).
- Best for photos: Watch for moonrise on March 2, shortly after local sunset. The Moon will appear larger and more golden near the horizon — perfect for pictures.
- Best for brightness: The night of March 2–3 offers the brightest and most convenient viewing, as the Moon looks fully illuminated all night.
- Best for eclipse viewers: During the totality window of the total lunar eclipse on March 2–3, when the Moon may turn red — see the Blood Moon 2026 guide for exact times.
March 2026 Moon Dates & Times
Moon phases in March 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 main Moon phases in March 2026:
- Full Moon: March 3, 11:38 GMT/UTC
- Last Quarter: March 11, 09:38 GMT/UTC
- New Moon: March 19, 01:23 GMT/UTC
- First Quarter: March 25, 19:18 GMT/UTC
Close to the New Moon, on March 20, 2026, at 14:46 GMT/UTC, the March equinox will occur — this is the moment when day and night are nearly equal. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the start of astronomical spring (and in the Southern Hemisphere, the start of autumn). Learn more: March equinox — first day of spring.
Want to know the dates of all the Moon phases in March 2026? Check the interactive Moon Calendar on our website.
When is the Full Moon in March 2026?
Full Moon day in March 2026: Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The March Full Moon (Worm Moon / Full Worm Moon) peaks at 11:38 UTC (6:38 AM EST / 3:38 AM PST).
In the United States, the peak happens early on March 3, but for most people the most convenient viewing is after sunset on March 2 (local time).
The Moon will look full on the nights around March 3, so you don’t need the exact time to enjoy it — but knowing the peak time is useful for planning photo sessions and other stargazing events.
You can see exactly how the Moon’s illumination changes from day to day using the Sky Tonight app — just open the Calendar and go to the Moon tab. Watch our video tutorial to learn how to use the Calendar in Sky Tonight.
Full Moon in March 2026: Time in popular time zones
Here’s when the March Full Moon (Worm Moon) peaks in a few popular time zones.
North & South America
- US ET: 6:38 AM on Mar 3
- US CT: 5:38 AM on Mar 3
- US MT: 4:38 AM on Mar 3
- US PT: 3:38 AM on Mar 3
- US AKST: 2:38 AM on Mar 3
- US HST (Hawaii): 1:38 AM on Mar 3
- Brazil (BRT): 8:38 AM on Mar 3
Europe
- UK (GMT/UTC): 11:38 AM on Mar 3
- Central Europe (CET): 12:38 PM on Mar 3
Asia
- India (IST): 5:08 PM on Mar 3
- China (CST): 7:38 PM on Mar 3
- Japan (JST): 8:38 PM on Mar 3
Oceania
- Australia (AEDT): 10:38 PM on Mar 3
- New Zealand (NZDT): 12:38 AM on Mar 4
How long does the Full Moon last?
The Moon will look full for about three nights — from around March 2 through March 4. The Full Moon time mentioned above is the exact moment when the Moon reaches its maximum illumination (when the Moon and the Sun are on opposite sides of Earth). But to the naked eye, the Moon can still appear as a complete circle before and after that moment.
What time does the March 2026 Full Moon rise?
On the day of the Full Moon, the Moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise — but the exact time varies by location.
Here are example moonrise times on March 2-3, 2026 (local time) for a few popular cities.
North & South America
- New York, USA (ET): 5:08 PM on Mar 2
- Chicago, USA (CT): 5:04 PM on Mar 2
- Denver, USA (MT): 5:19 PM on Mar 2
- Los Angeles, USA (PT): 5:21 PM on Mar 2
- Miami, USA (ET): 5:50 PM on Mar 2
- Dallas, USA (CT): 5:53 PM on Mar 2
- Phoenix, USA (MT): 5:56 PM on Mar 2
- Seattle, USA (PT): 5:22 PM on Mar 2
- San Francisco, USA (PT): 5:35 PM on Mar 2
- Honolulu, USA (HST): 6:16 PM on Mar 2
- Brasília, Brazil (BRT): 5:08 PM on Mar 2
Europe
- London, UK (GMT/UTC): 6:00 PM on Mar 3
- Belfast, UK (GMT/UTC): 6:21 PM on Mar 3
- Edinburgh, UK (GMT/UTC): 6:08 PM on Mar 3
- Berlin, Germany (CET): 6:02 PM on Mar 3
- Paris, France (CET): 6:52 PM on Mar 3
Asia
- New Delhi, India (IST): 6:22 PM on Mar 3
- Beijing, China (CST): 6:00 PM on Mar 3
- Tokyo, Japan (JST): 5:26 PM on Mar 3
Oceania
- Sydney, Australia (AEDT): 7:20 PM on Mar 3
- Auckland, New Zealand (NZDT): 7:47 PM on Mar 3
Times vary by location and can differ even between nearby cities. For the exact moonrise time where you are, check the astronomical app Sky Tonight. Open the app, tap the Magnifier icon, type “Moon” in the search field, and open the result — you’ll find the rise/set times for your exact location.
What sign is the Full Moon in March 2026?
Quick answer: the March 2026 Full Moon is in Leo astronomically, but it’s often described as a Virgo Full Moon in astrology.
From the astronomical point of view, the March Full Moon in 2026 is in the constellation Leo, not far from the bright star Regulus, also known as the “Little King.” Regulus sits right in the heart of Leo and is easily visible to the naked eye.
March 2026 Full Moon in Virgo (astrology)
In astrology, many sources call this a Full Moon in Virgo (a Virgo Full Moon) because zodiac signs don’t perfectly match modern constellation boundaries. So in 2026, the March Full Moon is in the constellation Leo astronomically, but in the zodiac sign Virgo astrologically.
To check what constellation the Moon is really in, open Sky Tonight app and point your phone at the Moon.
Total Lunar Eclipse on March 2–3, 2026
In 2026, the March Full Moon (Worm Moon) coincides with a total lunar eclipse (“Blood Moon”), nicknamed the “Blood Worm Moon”. The red Moon is best seen from western North America, the Pacific region, eastern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In other regions, only partial/penumbral phases may be visible. In Europe and Africa the eclipse won’t be visible at all.
👉 For the visibility maps and exact eclipse timeline, see our article: Blood Moon on March 3, 2026.
No eclipse in your area? Look ahead! Discover the next solar and lunar eclipses you can plan for.
What is the March Full Moon called?
In America and Europe, the March Full Moon is called the Worm Moon because earthworms begin to appear as the soil warms after winter. Worms also attract robins and other birds — a classic sign that spring is near.
March Full Moon names in different cultures
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:
- Moon of Winds (Celts)
- Chaste Moon (Wicca)
- Goose Moon (Cree — Canada & Northern US)
- Windy Moon (Cherokee — Southeastern US)
- Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe — northern Ontario and Manitoba)
- Sugar Moon, Crow Moon (Ojibwe — Southern Canada & Northern Plains, USA)
- Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine — Great Plains, USA)
- Buffalo Dropping Their Calves Moon (Arapaho — Colorado & Wyoming)
- Catching Fish Moon (Algonquin — Great Lakes, USA)
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)
Worm Moon Spiritual Meaning & Astrology
The Worm Moon is a classic “season shift” Full Moon — a symbol of thawing, renewal, and getting unstuck after winter. In spiritual (folk) interpretations, it’s a time to clear out what’s stale, simplify your routines, and make space for fresh growth — even if it starts with small, quiet steps.
In astrology, the March Worm Moon is often framed as a reset point: a moment to check what’s working, adjust your direction, and release what you’ve outgrown. And because this year’s Worm Moon comes with a total lunar eclipse (a Blood Moon), many astrology sources treat it as an even stronger “turning point” energy — a time when endings, realizations, or course corrections can feel more intense than usual.
Vasanta Purnima and the March Full Moon 2026
In 2026, the Full Moon on March 3 coincides with Vasanta Purnima (also known as Phalguna Purnima) — the Full Moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna (“Purnima” literally means “Full Moon day”). This date marks the start of Basanta Utsav (the spring festival) and Holi — the famous “Festival of colors”. In many places, the Full Moon night is also associated with Holika Dahan (a traditional bonfire), with the celebrations of Holi following soon after.
March Full Moon 2026 (Worm Moon): Frequently asked questions
When is the Full Moon in March 2026?
The March Full Moon (Worm Moon) occurs on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 11:38 GMT/UTC — 6:38 AM ET / 5:38 AM CT / 4:38 AM MT / 3:38 AM PT in the USA, 12:38 PM CET in Europe, 10:38 PM AEDT in Australia (Sydney), and 12:38 AM NZDT on March 4 in New Zealand.
When is the Worm Moon 2026?
The Worm Moon 2026 date is March 3, 2026. The exact Full Moon moment is 11:38 UTC/GMT — 6:38 AM ET / 5:38 AM CT / 4:38 AM MT / 3:38 AM PT in the USA. For most viewers, the most convenient time to see the “full-looking” Moon is around moonrise on the evening of March 2 (local time).
What is the March Full Moon called?
The Full Moon in March is traditionally called the Worm Moon, because earthworms begin to appear as the soil warms after winter.
What constellation is the March Full Moon in?
In 2026, the March Full Moon is in the constellation Leo. In astrology, the March Full Moon is in the zodiac sign of Virgo. Learn why zodiac signs and constellations don’t match: zodiac signs vs zodiac constellations.
Is there a lunar eclipse during the March 2026 Full Moon?
Yes — the March Full Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse (“Blood Moon”) on March 2–3, 2026 (the date can shift depending on your time zone). For the full schedule and where it’s visible, see: Blood Moon 2026: visibility map & timeline.
When is the next Full Moon after March 2026?
The next Full Moon (the Pink Moon) takes place on April 2, 2026 at 02:12 GMT/UTC — 10:12 PM ET on Apr 1 / 9:12 PM CT / 8:12 PM MT / 7:12 PM PT in the USA, 04:12 CEST in Europe, 1:12 PM AEDT in Australia (Sydney), and 3:12 PM NZDT in New Zealand. You can learn more about the Full Moon in April in our 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.
Is the March Full Moon 2026 a Supermoon?
No, the Full Moon on March 3, 2026 is not a Supermoon. The next Supermoon will occur on November 24, 2026 — it will be a Beaver Supermoon.
March Full Moon 2026: Key takeaways
- The March Full Moon (Worm Moon / Full Worm Moon) date is March 3, 2026, at 11:38 UTC (6:38 AM ET).
- In the sky, the Moon will be in the constellation Leo.
- This Full Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse (“Blood Moon”) on March 2–3, 2026 (date varies by time zone). For eclipse visibility maps + the full timeline in your location, see our March 2026 Blood Moon guide.
- Use Sky Tonight to check moonrise/moonset times and learn what you can see in the sky from where you live.
We wish you clear skies and happy stargazing!
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