The September Full Moon
Harvest Moon
The full moon nearest the autumn equinox — usually September.
The next Harvest Moon is full on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 21:33 UTC.
Why it's called the Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the September equinox. For a few nights it rises soon after sunset, giving farmers extra evening light to bring in the harvest — the trait that earned its name.
Unlike the other names, the Harvest Moon is tied to the autumn equinox rather than to a fixed month — usually September, but October in years when the equinox full moon falls late. Around it, the Moon rises only a little later each night, so for several evenings the harvest could go on under bright moonlight.
It is the most celebrated full moon of the year, woven into songs, festivals, and the Mid-Autumn traditions of East Asia. The September name not borrowed by the harvest is the Corn Moon, for the ripening of the year's corn.
September's full moon is also known as the Corn Moon, the Barley Moon.
Watching the Harvest Moon
A full moon rises in the east around sunset and stays up all night, setting near sunrise — so any clear evening close to Sat, September 26 you can watch it climb once it gets dark. It looks biggest and most golden in the first hour after it rises, sitting low on the horizon.
Photographing it? A full moon is flatly lit and shows little crater relief — frame it against a landscape, hills or skyline just after moonrise for scale and warm colour. For sharp crater detail, shoot a night or two before or after full, when shadows return along the terminator.
Harvest Moon dates
| Year | Date (UTC) | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sat, September 26 | 21:33 |
| 2027 | Thu, September 16 | 03:52 |
| 2028 | Mon, September 4 | 02:00 |
| 2029 | Sat, September 22 | 18:48 |
| 2030 | Wed, September 11 | 22:24 |
Times are UTC, computed from lunar geometry — local clock times vary by your time zone.
Frequently Asked
When is the Harvest Moon in 2026?
The Harvest Moon in 2026 is full on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 21:33 UTC. It is the full moon of September.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the September equinox. For a few nights it rises soon after sunset, giving farmers extra evening light to bring in the harvest — the trait that earned its name.
What else is the September full moon called?
Besides the Harvest Moon, September's full moon is also known as the Corn Moon, the Barley Moon.
Is the Harvest Moon a supermoon in 2026?
No — the 2026 Harvest Moon on Saturday, September 26, 2026 is a regular full moon. It is not close enough to the Moon's perigee to count as a supermoon.