Full moon swims have a way of giving shape to the seasons and anchoring the year. In winter they arrive early, in the cold and dark; in summer they come late on warm nights where light lingers. Arriving as daylight fades allows you to feel, see and hear the change and shift of the season.
Here are the full moon dates for 2026, so you can plan ahead and not miss one.
Wolves don’t howl at the moon – they howl to one another, keeping contact across distance and darkness.
The Snow Moon, also known as the Hunger Moon, falls in the deepest winter scarcity. Traditionally, this was the period of heaviest snowfall, when rivers froze, paths vanished, and movement slowed.
The Worm Moon takes its name from the thawing ground, as frost loosens, soil softens, earthworms surface and migratory birds return. Associated with rising rivers as winter releases it’s hold.
Linked to the spring thaw, when ice breaks up and fish begin to move upstream in rivers.
May’s full moon is traditionally known as the Flower Moon, marking a period of rapid growth as days become lengthen and both air and water begin to warm.
(Seasonal blue moon).
Name for the ripe strawberries, ready to be picked, in June the full moon follows a low arc across the sky. Seen close to the horizon, it often appears warmer in colour.
July’s full moon is often known as the Thunder Moon, reflecting the frequency of summer storms at this time of year.
Traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, named for the time of year when sturgeon were most abundant in large North American waters. It coincides with late summer, when water temperatures peak and nights remain warm.
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that rises closest to sunset, appearing earlier in the evening for several nights in a row. Low in the sky, it often looks larger and brighter than usual.
The Hunter Moon rises early in the evening, providing light at a time of year when days are shortening. It marks a seasonal shift toward shorter days and colder water.
The Frost Moon takes its name from the first hard frosts of the season, when cold nights begin to settle and water edges glaze over.
READ MORE
• Night Swimming: A Practical Guide to Swimming in Natural Light
• The Outdoor Swimmers’ Handbook by Kate Rew. Available via the OSS Shop (signed copies), or from Amazon.