Here’s what’s notable about the May 2026 full moons.
- May 1, 2026 at 17:23 UTC (1:23 PM EDT) is the first full moon of May, commonly called the Flower Moon. This is the first of May’s two full moons that month.[1][2]
- May 31, 2026 at 08:45 UTC (4:45 AM EDT) is the second full moon in May, making May 2026 a month with a blue moon by the common (monthly) definition.[2][3][5]
- In addition to the two full moons, May 2026 also features a last quarter on May 9, a new moon on May 16, and a first quarter on May 23, shaping the overall visibility and timing of lunar phases throughout the month.[1][2]
Further context and quick notes
- The May 31 full moon is sometimes referred to as a blue moon in media coverage, though astronomically it’s just the second full moon in May; the Moon’s apparent size and color remain typical for a full moon.[5][2]
- For observers in Los Angeles and wider North America, the Moon will be prominent around these dates, with best viewing around local clear nights near the phase dates.[2][1]
If you’d like, I can pull exact rise/set times for your location on specific dates in May 2026 or provide a simple viewing plan.[1][2]
Sources
Real-Time solar activity and auroral activity data website
www.spaceweatherlive.comMeteor showers, eclipses, a planetary parade and 13 full moons will be visible in the night sky in 2026. Here's when to see them.
www.cnn.comExplore the Full Moons of 2026, see when each one occurs, and discover the standout features of every Full Moon this year.
starwalk.spaceCheck the dates for every full Moon throughout the year, learn about the Moon's phases, 'supermoons' and more
www.rmg.co.ukAncient Mesopotamian farmers, Celtic druids, Roman philosophers, Aztec priests - and you. No matter where you are in the world - or even in history - we all see the same moon. The full moon has been important to many cultures throughout history and around the world, and it’s still important to many
www.butserancientfarm.co.ukPrepare to mark your calendars!
www.cosmopolitan.comWhen does the next full moon rise? Find out exactly when to see the full moons of 2026, including the full "Blue Moon" in late May.
www.livescience.com5-01-2026 Full Moon May 1 - 17:23 UTC Last Quarter May 9 - 21:10 UTC New Moon May 16 - 20:01 UTC First Quarter May 23 - 11:11 UTC Full Moon May 31 - 08:45 UTC 〈Full Moon May 1 17:23 UTCLast Quarter May 9 21:10 UTCNew Moon May 16 20:01 UTCFirst Quarter May 23 11:11 UTCFull Moon May 31 08:45 UTC〉 The Full Moon for this month will occur early in the month on Friday, May 1st. The New Moon will happen later in May on Saturday, May 16th. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver May 1, 2026 10:23am PDT...
www.moongiant.comA guide to full Moon highlights in 2026, including supermoons, lunar eclipses and the Christmas Eve Cold Moon that will round off the year.
www.skyatnightmagazine.comWhen is the Flower Moon in 2026? The May Flower Moon peaks on May 1, 2026. Learn the exact time, its meaning, and why May 2026 has two Full Moons.
starwalk.space