Full Hunter’s Moon October 2026: Date, Meaning, and Folklore

When Is the Full Hunter’s Moon in October 2026?

The Hunter’s Moon is the full Moon that follows the Harvest Moon, traditionally associated with hunting and preparing meat for winter.

The Hunter’s Moon peaks on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 12:12 A.M. EDT. 

Convert Eastern Time to your time zone using our converter.

Why Is October’s Full Moon Called the Hunter’s Moon?

When October’s Full Moon is traditionally known as the Hunter’s Moon—a name that reflects the seasonal shift from gathering crops to preparing meat for winter.

Following the Harvest Moon, fields are typically cleared, leaves have fallen, and animals are easier to spot in open landscapes. At the same time, game such as deer and other wildlife have fattened up over the summer and early fall, making this an ideal time for hunting.

The bright Moon rising soon after sunset provided extra evening light, allowing hunters to track game longer into the night. For generations, this was the season to hunt, preserve meat, and lay in a store of provisions to sustain families through the long winter months ahead.

Alternative Names for the October Moon

Different cultures have given full Moons descriptive names based on seasonal changes, natural events, and human activities. These names helped people track the year, plan agriculture, and mark seasonal transitions.

Other traditional October Moon names include:

• Drying Rice Moon: Dakota tradition, post-harvest rice preparation.
• Falling Leaves Moon: Anishinaabe name for the transition to fall.
• Freezing Moon / Ice Moon: Ojibwe and Haida names marking colder temperatures.
• Migrating Moon: Cree name marking southward bird migrations.

Some years, the October Full Moon is the Moon closest to the autumn equinox. When this happens, the October Moon is called the Harvest Moon and the September Full Moon is referred to as the Corn Moon.

When is the next full Moon? Consult our Full Moon Calendar to find out!

Gardening and folklore tips:

• Planting under a Waning Moon may yield slower-growing but larger crops.
• Babies born a day after the Full Moon are said to enjoy endurance and success.
• A New Moon in dreams can signal increased wealth or a happy marriage.

→ Read more about Full Moon names and meanings.

Moon Phases for October 2026

See all Moon phase dates and times (in Eastern Daylight Time) below. Check your Moon Phase Calendar for local viewing times.

Moon Phases for October 2026

	Last Quarter: October 3, 9:24 A.M. EDT
	New Moon: October 10, 11:50 A.M. EDT
	First Quarter: October 18, 12:12 P.M. EDT
	Full Moon: October 26, 12:12 A.M. EDT

Best Days in October 2026

Below are some of the best days for certain activities, based on the Moon’s sign and phase in October.

→ See Best Days for more activities.