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September 2026 Full Harvest Moon: Date, Meaning, and How to Watch

Full Harvest Moon September Full Moon OFA
Image Credit:
Colleen Quinnell/The Old Farmer's Almanac
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Mark your calendars! The September 2026 Full Harvest Moon peaks on Saturday, September 26, at 12:49 P.M. Eastern Time. Rising low on the horizon, it will appear bigger, brighter, and more golden than any other Moon this year, casting long light across autumn fields and evening skies.

When to See the Full Harvest Moon in September 2026

This year, September’s Full Harvest Moon will peak in illumination at 12:49 P.M. Eastern Time on Saturday, September 26. It will be below the horizon at this time, so be sure to watch for it after sunset… it will be hard to miss!

Why the Harvest Moon Is Different From Other Full Moons

The Harvest Moon is the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox (September 22 or 23). Unlike other Full Moons, it rises about the same time for several nights, providing extended evening light. Historically, this extra illumination helped farmers complete their harvests before fall frosts.

Read more about the Harvest Moon!

Best Times and Locations to View the Harvest Moon

  • Horizon viewing: The Moon appears largest when rising or setting.
  • Open landscapes: Fields, parks, or waterfronts add scale and drama.
  • Local timing: Peak illumination is at 12:49 P.M. EDT, but it is visible for several evenings before and after.

September 2026 Full Harvest Moon rising low in the sky with an airplane crossing in front

Is the September 2026 Full Moon a Harvest Moon or Corn Moon?

In 2026, the September Full Moon is a Harvest Moon.

Occasionally, the Full Moon closest to the equinox is actually the October Moon. When this happens, the October Moon is designated as the Harvest Moon, and the September Full Moon is named the Corn Moon.

This is because this time of year—late summer into early fall—corresponds with the time of harvesting corn in much of the northern United States. For this reason, a number of Native American peoples traditionally used some variation of the name “Corn Moon” to refer to the Moon of either August or September. Examples include Corn Maker Moon (Western Abenaki) and Corn Harvest Moon (Dakota). 

Alternative September Moon Names

Other Moon names for this month highlight how September is the transitional period between summer and fall:

  • Autumn Moon (Cree)
  • Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe)
  • Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe)
  • Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota)
  • Yellow Leaf Moon (Assiniboine)

The behavior of animals is also a common theme, with Child Moon (Tlingit) referring to the time when young animals are weaned, and Mating Moon and Rutting Moon (both Cree) describing the time of year when certain animals, like moose, elk, and deer, are looking to mate.

→ Read more about Full Moon names and their traditional meanings here.

Moon Phases for September 2026

september moon phases including the full harvest moon

Here are the Moon phase dates and times (EDT) for the month of September. Check our Moon Phase Calendar for dates and times in your city.

Moon Phases for September 2026
Last QuarterLast Quarter: September 4, 3:51 A.M. EDT
New MoonNew Moon: September 10, 11:27 P.M. EDT
First Quarter: September 18, 4:44 P.M. EDT
Full Moon: September 26, 12:49 P.M. EDT

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

September Full Moon Video

Why does the Moon ride high or low in the sky? Find out the answer to this question—and learn more about September’s Full Moon—in this entertaining video.


 

Best Days in September 2026

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

ActivityBest Days
Harvesting aboveground crops14, 15
Harvesting belowground crops5, 6
Setting Eggs3, 4, 20-22, 30
Fishing10-26

→ See Best Days for more activities.

harvest-moon-oil-painting-2-e1471695114941.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Harvest Moon?

The Harvest Moon is the Full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. It rises shortly after sunset for several nights in a row, providing extra evening light that once helped farmers gather crops before the first frost.

Will the Harvest Moon look bigger than usual?

Yes. Because it rises low on the horizon, the Harvest Moon often appears larger and more golden due to the Moon illusion, especially just after moonrise.

Is the September 2026 Full Moon a supermoon?

No, the September 2026 Harvest Moon is not classified as a supermoon, but it can still appear impressively large and bright when viewed near the horizon.

Why does the Harvest Moon rise earlier than other Full Moons?

Around the autumnal equinox, the Moon’s path across the sky is at a shallow angle, causing it to rise only about 30 minutes later each night, instead of the usual 50 minutes.

Are you a Full Moon lover? Share your thoughts below!

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>Potsonna2</span> Tue, 09/17/2013 - 11:31
Interesting! I hope that everyone had a great and safe weekend,enjoyed the recent holiday that we've had,having a good week and has another good weekend.
<span>Mmkkpro</span> Sat, 09/14/2013 - 21:10
I have recently begun to use a telescope and look at the moon and stars and I gotta say wish id started long before now.The beauty is unmatched and it really makes ya wonder about if other beings are really out there.I personally believe there are billions of stars and planets just seems too big for just us either way its awsome.I hope all humans can find common ground and get along for the betterment of humanity,how special we really are slips away during everyday events,I pray for peace and freedom and equality for all human beings.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 09/20/2013 - 12:31
We'd love to hear what kind of telescope you use! Thank you, your Almanac editors
<span>Kathy Tuman</span> Tue, 09/17/2013 - 00:54
Well said, I agree!
<span>Dave Lee</span> Fri, 09/06/2013 - 15:37
I will be going to arbor low for the autumn equinox.
<span>M.kay</span> Sat, 09/06/2014 - 04:17
What is "arbor low"? Have never heard of. Also, I hope you have an enlightening event! And, hope you will be able to share about afterwards! Namaste'
<span>Kate Bennett</span> Mon, 09/08/2014 - 09:59
Hi! I also wondered what "arbor low" meant, so I looked it up. (I thought it may have been a terminology) but in actuality, it is a site! Called a henge, it is an ancient place, believed to be very spiritual. I wish I could travel to places like this. :)
<span>Dave Lee</span> Thu, 09/19/2013 - 13:36
Near Buxton in Derbyshire. UK
<span>Kimbalie</span> Fri, 09/13/2013 - 09:01
What/Where is Arbor Low?
<span>Richard Schock Sr.</span> Thu, 08/29/2013 - 14:34
In North America during a full Moon does the Moon rise or set on the Horizon at the same exact time as the Sun sets or rises on the opposite Horizon? I have been blessed to see this beautiful site a few times while driving across Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in New Orleans which runs North-South in both directions. When you get 10-13 miles out(approx. middle) and look to the left and then the right I have seen the full Moon setting on the Western Horizon as the Sun was rising on the Eastern Horizon. A very awesome and beautiful site on water..