Full Cold Moon

In December, the full Moon is called the Cold Moon. This Moon follows November’s Beaver Moon. 

Why Is It Called the Cold Moon? 

This is the time of year when the frigid winter temperatures really begin to take hold, which makes the name “Cold Moon” fitting for this month! Winter officially begins with the winter solstice on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, but wicked winter weather can be felt long before then.

December’s Moon has a number of other names that refer to the chilly weather of this time of year, including the Winter Maker Moon (used by the Western Abenaki people) and the Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala). It has also been called the Long Night Moon (Mohican), since we experience the days with the least amount of daylight near the winter solstice.

When to See the Cold Moon

This year, the Cold Moon will appear on Wednesday, December 7. It will reach peak illumination at 11:09 P.M. Eastern Time. Watch for the full Moon to peek over the horizon around sunset on this day!

Learn more about the Moon names for every month, including your birthday month!