The Cold Moon is the traditional Western name for the full Moon of December. The next Cold Moon is on December 24, 2026 (UTC). In other traditions it is the Long Night Moon (Algonquin), the Moon of the Long Night (Celtic) and Margashirsha Purnima (Hindu calendar).
Full Moon instants are calculated with astronomy-engine and shown in UTC, then in your own time zone. The names are folk and cultural traditions, recorded in very different sources; they are not astronomical designations.
Full Moon names
The Cold Moon
Next full:
Cold Moon dates
MODELED- December 24, 2026Month calendar →
- December 13, 2027Month calendar →
- December 2, 2028
- December 31, 2028Blue Moon
One Moon, four names
TRADITION- Western
- Cold Moon
- Algonquin
- Long Night Moon
- Celtic
- Moon of the Long Night
- Hindu
- Margashirsha Purnima
The longest nights of the year. Winter's grip tightens. Across traditions, this moon invites surrender to darkness, trust in the returning light, and the quiet cultivation of inner warmth until the solstice tips the balance.
Questions
When is the Cold Moon?
The Cold Moon falls on December 24, 2026, December 13, 2027, December 2, 2028, December 31, 2028 (UTC dates). Each is the exact instant the Moon is opposite the Sun; in time zones west of UTC the date can be a day earlier.
Why is it called the Cold Moon?
The longest nights of the year. Winter's grip tightens. Across traditions, this moon invites surrender to darkness, trust in the returning light, and the quiet cultivation of inner warmth until the solstice tips the balance.