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

Full Hunter's Moon October Full Moon, Old Farmer's Almanac text
Image Credit:
Colleen Quinnell/The Old Farmer's Almanac
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

The Full Hunter’s Moon reaches peak illumination on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 12:12 A.M. EDT—but the best time to watch it rise will be Sunday evening, October 25. Why is it called the Hunter’s Moon? Discover the history and seasonal meaning of its name, plus viewing tips and October’s complete Moon phase calendar.

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.

Best Time to See the Hunter’s Moon

Although the Moon reaches peak illumination shortly after midnight Eastern Time on October 26, the best viewing opportunity will be Sunday evening, October 25. Find an open location with an unobstructed view toward the eastern horizon and look for the Moon around sunset.

No telescope is needed. The Hunter’s Moon will appear full and bright throughout the night and will also look nearly full on the evenings before and after its peak.

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.

A buck silhouetted against the full Hunter’s Moon in October
An elk holds the Moon in his antlers. Credit: Gallinago/Shutterstock.

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

october 2026 moon phases including the full hunter moon

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.

ActivityBest Days
Harvesting aboveground crops16-18
Harvesting belowground crops17, 18
Setting eggs1, 2, 19, 28, 29
Fishing10-26

→ See Best Days for more activities.

Full Moon Names

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the digital home of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. She leads digital editorial strategy and publishing across a wide range of Almanac sub...

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Tiffany H</span> Thu, 10/17/2013 - 07:19
Today is my birthday and it was nice to see this moon on the way to taking my guy to work. It was great to start my birthday with something so pretty.
<span>Allison Waterman</span> Thu, 10/17/2013 - 00:12
THE MOON RULEZ #1!!!!
<span>Katymarie92</span> Wed, 10/16/2013 - 13:37
I was born on a full moon in '92. My baby girl is due in just a few days but everyone is saying she will come on the next full moon (this Friday) I would hope so, to me that would be a great night for her to come. I have always loved the moon.
<span>Barbmc</span> Fri, 10/18/2013 - 05:08
My son was born on a Full Moon in '92 as well. As a two year old he would point out the moon, even if it was just a sliver, in broad daylight. We called him our moon child. Here's to a happy, healthy baby when ever she decides to join you!
<span>Celtblood</span> Tue, 10/15/2013 - 09:46
I have to wonder one thing... since the OFA insists on incorrectly listing Midsummer and Midwinter as the Beginning of Summer and the Beginning of Winter, does that mean we should follow suit and consider the Full Moon to really be the Dark Moon, and thus pretend the Dark or New Moon falls on the Full Moon? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
<span>Georgewilson</span> Tue, 10/15/2013 - 11:01
I have to wonder why you feel the need to continually correct the OFA on their own Web site. I have seen your name multiple times and they've even responded to you. Consider that they different point of view and be respectful of it, as they are of you.
<span>No Joke</span> Thu, 10/10/2013 - 19:21
Do NOT deliver on FULL MOON ! I am ***Very*** serious !
<span>Barbmc</span> Tue, 10/15/2013 - 18:48
Why would you say this? Many babies are born on the full moon, and unless it's a planned C-section it's not as if we have much choice. My first child was born on the full moon, and although it was intense, it was also a magical experience, so powerful. I felt invigorated after that birth in a way that didn't happen with my second birthing which was not on the full moon.
<span>Ruth Quinto</span> Wed, 10/09/2013 - 02:48
We try to plant seeds under a waxing moon - and leave things be under a waning moon. Does this make sense? I see the comment about corn growing slower but with bigger cobs under a waning moon, and wonder ....... Thanks for your input. ruth
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 10/09/2013 - 10:26

Hi, Ruth, Above-ground crops are planted during the light of the Moon (new to full); below-ground crops are planted during the dark of the Moon (from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again). Planting is done in the daytime; planting at night is optional!