Spring is in the air in more ways than one this week, as May’s full moon will brighten the skies early this week. The second full moon of the season, called the Flower Moon, will rise above the horizon Monday evening.

What You Need To Know

  • May’s full moon is named the Flower Moon

  • The full moon will peak Monday afternoon

  • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings

It is no surprise how the Flower Moon got its name with flowers in full bloom during the month of May.

There are other names for the celestial event. Native American names also have a spring flavor, including Budding Moon and Planting Moon.

This year’s Flower Moon will appear smaller than normal because of the moon’s farther distance from Earth thanks to its elliptical orbit.

Best time to see the Flower Moon

The full moon will come to full peak Monday afternoon but still provide optimal viewings two days before and after peak. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

The best viewing will be just after moonrise Monday, May 12. You can find the best time, check out the moonrise calculator.

  • New York: sunset at 8:03 p.m. EDT, moonrise at 8:31 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 12.
  • St. Louis: sunset at 8:03 p.m. CDT, moonrise at 8:31 p.m. CDT on Monday, May 12.
  • Los Angeles: sunset at 7:45 p.m. PDT, moonrise at 8:14 p.m. PDT on Monday, May 12.

The next full moon will be the Strawberry Moon, which occurs on June 12, 2025.

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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