Buck Moon: July's Full Moon Phases

Find the July Buck Moon phases—plus, best days by the Moon, full Moon names, and more.

Full Moon Names

July is the month of the Full Buck Moon.

Bucks begin to grow new antlers at this time. This full Moon was also known as the Thunder Moon, because thunderstorms are so frequent during this month.

See all Full Moon names and their meanings.

Moon Phase Dates July 2014

All dates and times are ET. See the Moon Phase Calendar for your city/state.

	First Quarter: July 5, 7:59 A.M.
	Full Moon: July 12, 7:25 A.M.
	Last Quarter: July 18, 10:08 P.M.
	New Moon: July 26, 6:42 P.M.

For your next full Moon, see our Full Moon Dates chart.

Full Moon Video

Each month, we will explain the traditional names of the full Moon along with some fascinating Moon facts. This month, learn about the Full Buck Moon, why July is such an important month in Moon history, and how scientists measure the distance from Earth to the Moon.  Click below to watch video.

Best Days in July 2014

Below are the best days for activities, based on the Moon's sign and phase in July.

For Cutting Hay:

• 17, 18

For Setting Eggs:

• 13, 14

For Fishing:

• 1–12, 26–31

See Best Days for more activities.

Moon Facts & Folklore

• The Moon displays two superbly tight conjunctions this month. First, it floats just below zero-magnitude Mars on the 5th, with blue Spica close by on the left. Then, on the 7th, it's very close to Saturn, with the pair highest at nightfall in the south.
• On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the Moon. He also placed the U.S. flag there.
• On July 31, 1999, The ashes of astrogeologist Eugene Shoemaker were deposited on the Moon.

Share your thoughts about this month's Moon below!