February 2026 Full Moon: When the ‘Snow Moon’ Lights Up the Sky

Countdown to the ‘Snow Moon’—February’s spectacular full moon. This stunning celestial event will illuminate the night sky on February 1, 2026. The Moon will reach peak brightness at 00:09 AM local time on February 1, positioned directly opposite the Sun. From our vantage point on Earth, the lunar disk will appear fully illuminated. The ideal viewing time is Saturday evening, January 31, 2026, just after sunset. The Moon will rise near the Cancer constellation, creating a breathtaking display. Why is it called the ‘Snow Moon’? The name originates from traditional North American Indigenous names, referencing heavy snowfalls typical of February. In some regions, it was also known as the ‘Hunger Moon’ due to scarce food in winter, while others associated it with newborn bear cubs. As noted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, February’s full moon is also dubbed the ‘Storm Moon’, reflecting the unstable and often harsh weather conditions across the Northern Hemisphere this time of year.