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.
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.
.png){kind=small} | Last Quarter: October 3, 9:24 A.M. EDT |
.png){kind=small} | New Moon: October 10, 11:50 A.M. EDT |
.png){kind=small} | First Quarter: October 18, 12:12 P.M. EDT |
.png){kind=small} | 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.
| Activity | Best Days |
| Harvesting aboveground crops | 16-18 |
| Harvesting belowground crops | 17, 18 |
| Setting eggs | 1, 2, 19, 28, 29 |
| Fishing | 10-26 |
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