What Full Moon Occurs in July Each Year
The full moon in July is usually called the Buck Moon, coinciding with the male deer’s new antlers growing in July. Other regional and traditional names include Hay Moon, Thunder Moon, and Salmon Moon. This full moon typically rises near sunset, reaches high opposition at night, and sets near sunrise, making it visible for much of the night. In rare cases, a Blue Moon can occur in July when an extra full moon appears in the calendar month. Below, we break down July’s full moon dates, naming origins, and what to expect in coming years.
July Full Moon Names and Meaning
Common Traditional Names
- Buck Moon: Reflects antler growth on male deer in North America.
- Thunder Moon: Highlights frequent thunderstorms during midsummer.
- Hay Moon: Tied to haymaking season in Europe and some rural U.S. regions.
- Salmon Moon: Used by some Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest.
These names come from cultural traditions, ecological cues, and seasonal activities. While the Buck Moon is the most widely used name in the United States, other cultures emphasize the weather, harvests, or wildlife observed around July.
How Full Moons Work
A full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun in ecliptic longitude, placing Earth roughly between them. The near side of the Moon becomes fully illuminated by sunlight, creating the appearance of a complete circle. Full moons are predictable astronomical events that follow the lunar cycle, which averages about 29.53 days. This means a full moon recurs roughly every month but shifts earlier each calendar month by about 11 days, occasionally causing two full moons in a single calendar month, known as a Blue Moon.
The Moon’s orbit is slightly elliptical, so not every full moon is the same brightness or size. When a full moon coincides with the lunar perigee, it is called a supermoon and appears larger and brighter. Conversely, when it occurs near apogee, it is often called a micromoon and looks smaller and dimmer. July’s full moon can therefore appear noticeably different from year to year depending on these orbital factors.
When the July Full Moon Occurs: Yearly Examples
The exact date and time of July’s full moon vary by year. The following table shows recent and upcoming examples for reference.
| Year | Full Moon Date and Time (UTC) | Time in New York (EDT) | Time in London (BST) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 3, 14:37 | July 3, 10:37 AM | July 3, 3:37 PM | Early July full moon; not a supermoon. |
| 2024 | July 21, 16:33 | July 21, 12:33 PM | July 21, 5:33 PM | Mid-July full moon; micro moon near apogee. |
| 2025 | July 10, 07:55 | July 10, 3:55 AM | July 10, 8:55 AM | Early July full moon; supermoon potential close to perigee. |
| 2026 | July 29, 14:56 | July 29, 10:56 AM | July 29, 3:56 PM | Late July full moon; visible evening through night. |
Observing the July Full Moon
To get the best view, observe the moon after sunset as it rises in the east and again before sunrise as it sets in the west. Minimal artificial lighting and clear horizons improve visibility. In the Northern Hemisphere, July’s full moon tends to appear lower in the southern sky at midnight, which can affect atmospheric clarity. In the Southern Hemisphere, the full moon rides higher in the sky. Check local weather forecasts for cloud cover, and consider using binoculars or a telescope to see surface features like craters and maria.
Cultural and Seasonal Context
Agriculture, fishing, and folklore have long referenced the July full moon due to its reliable timing during midsummer. Many Indigenous peoples associate the Buck Moon with deer behavior, while European traditions link the Hay Moon to harvest preparations. Thunderstorms around this time inspire names like Thunder Moon in various climates. Although modern calendars rely on precise astronomical calculations, these cultural names persist, connecting present observers to long-standing relationships with the sky.
Comparing July’s Full Moon to Other Months
Each full moon has a distinct character influenced by its timing in the calendar year. July’s full moon typically occurs during warm, active summer evenings in the Northern Hemisphere, whereas winter full moons rise earlier and remain high longer at night. Below is a brief comparison highlighting how July differs from other months.
- Timing: July’s full moon is usually mid to late summer, unlike early-spring Worm Moon or autumn Harvest Moon.
- Visibility: In the Northern Hemisphere, July’s full moon is lower in the southern sky at midnight, which can increase atmospheric distortion compared to winter full moons.
- Naming: Named for ecological and seasonal cues rather than harvest proximity, aligning with heat and storm patterns.
Technical Notes on Supermoons and Blue Moons
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with perigee, the Moon’s closest approach to Earth. In contrast, a micromoon occurs near apogee, the farthest point. July occasionally features a supermoon if the full moon aligns closely with perigee. A Blue Moon, defined as a second full moon within a single calendar month, can also fall in July, though it is less common than Blue Moons in other months. Neither supermoon nor Blue Moon changes the fundamental cycle of moon phases; they are observational markers based on alignment and calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is July’s full moon called the Buck Moon?
The name reflects the growth of antlers on male deer (bucks) during July in North America. - Is July’s full moon always a supermoon?
No. July’s full moon may be a supermoon some years, but it is usually a regular full moon or a micromoon depending on its distance at full phase. - Can there be two full moons in July?
Yes. When this occurs, the second full moon is called a Blue Moon. This happens roughly every few years due to the mismatch between the lunar cycle and the Gregorian month length.