October’s full Moon will shine brightly on October 25 and 26, offering skywatchers a beautiful celestial display before a remarkable series of four consecutive supermoons begins.

LONDON — Skywatchers are preparing for a spectacular celestial event as October’s full Hunter’s Moon rises this weekend, bringing a brilliant lunar display to the night sky.

The full Moon will be visible from Sunday evening, October 25, through the early hours of Monday, October 26, weather permitting.

This month's lunar event is particularly special because it marks the 11th full Moon of the 13 occurring in 2026 and arrives just before an unusual sequence of four consecutive supermoons stretching into early 2027.

For astronomy enthusiasts, photographers and anyone who enjoys watching the night sky, the Hunter’s Moon promises an opportunity to observe one of autumn’s most recognizable celestial sights.

Depending on atmospheric conditions, the Moon may appear golden, orange or even reddish as it rises above the horizon.

And while the Hunter’s Moon itself is not classified as a supermoon this year, its timing, appearance and traditional significance make it a noteworthy astronomical event.

When Will the Hunter’s Moon Be Visible?

According to the BBC Weather report, the Hunter’s Moon will rise shortly after 4 p.m. GMT on Sunday, October 25, across much of the United Kingdom.

It will remain visible overnight before setting in the west between approximately 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. GMT on Monday, October 26.

Exact moonrise and moonset times will vary depending on location.

The Moon will officially reach its full phase at 4:11 a.m. GMT on Monday, October 26.

That moment occurs when the Sun and Moon are positioned on opposite sides of Earth, an astronomical alignment associated with the full-Moon phase.

Although the precise full Moon occurs early Monday morning, observers should be able to enjoy a nearly full lunar disk on both Sunday and Monday nights.

This provides two opportunities to experience the event, particularly for people whose local weather conditions may interfere with viewing on one evening.

For the most dramatic photographs, the best opportunity may come shortly after moonrise, when the Moon appears close to buildings, trees and other objects along the horizon.

Why October’s Full Moon Is Called the Hunter’s Moon

The name Hunter’s Moon comes from seasonal traditions associated with autumn and preparations for winter.

Throughout history, communities have assigned names to full Moons based on natural events, agricultural activities and changes in the seasons.

Many familiar lunar names used today have connections to Native American traditions, although naming customs vary among cultures and communities.

The Hunter’s Moon traditionally follows the Harvest Moon, which is associated with the autumn harvest.

As daylight hours become shorter and temperatures begin to fall, the Hunter’s Moon historically provided additional evening illumination during a time when people prepared for the colder months.

The name reflects the importance of hunting and gathering food before winter.

The Moon’s brightness and its evening appearance made it particularly useful in periods before electric lighting became widespread.

The Hunter’s Moon also shares an interesting characteristic with the Harvest Moon: around these seasonal full Moons, the time between successive moonrises can be shorter than usual at certain northern latitudes.

This can create the impression of several evenings with unusually bright moonlight shortly after sunset.

Why the Hunter’s Moon May Look Orange or Red

One of the most striking features of a rising full Moon is its warm color.

Observers may notice that the Hunter’s Moon appears yellow, orange or reddish when it is close to the horizon.

This effect is caused by the way sunlight interacts with Earth’s atmosphere.

When the Moon is low in the sky, its reflected sunlight must travel through a greater thickness of atmosphere before reaching an observer.

Shorter wavelengths of light, particularly blue, are scattered more efficiently by atmospheric particles and molecules.

Longer wavelengths, including red and orange, are less strongly scattered and can remain more prominent in the light reaching our eyes.

As a result, the Moon may take on a warm golden or reddish appearance.

The effect is similar to the colors frequently observed during sunrise and sunset.

Atmospheric conditions, including haze and airborne particles, can influence the Moon’s appearance.

However, the color change does not mean the Moon itself has physically changed.

It is an optical effect created by the interaction between light and Earth’s atmosphere.

Why Does the Moon Look Bigger Near the Horizon?

In addition to its warm color, the Hunter’s Moon may appear unusually large when rising above the landscape.

This familiar phenomenon is known as the Moon illusion.

When the Moon is positioned close to the horizon, our brains interpret its size in relation to nearby objects such as buildings, trees and mountains.

These visual references can make the Moon appear significantly larger than it does when high overhead.

Despite that impression, the Moon’s actual angular size changes very little between its position near the horizon and its position higher in the sky.

The dramatic difference is primarily perceptual.

This makes moonrise and moonset especially popular moments for photographers.

A full Moon positioned behind a recognizable landmark can create an impressive composition, particularly when viewed from a carefully chosen distance.

Is October’s Hunter’s Moon a Supermoon?

Although the Hunter’s Moon may appear especially impressive, the October 2026 full Moon is not classified as a supermoon in the supplied report.

A supermoon occurs when a full Moon takes place relatively close to the Moon’s nearest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.

Because the Moon does not travel around Earth in a perfect circle, its distance from our planet changes throughout the month.

When a full Moon occurs near its closest orbital approach, it can appear somewhat larger and brighter than a full Moon occurring farther away.

The difference is not always obvious to the naked eye, but it can be measured astronomically.

October’s Hunter’s Moon is significant because it arrives immediately before a sequence of four consecutive supermoons.

According to the BBC report, the series begins in November and continues through February 2027.

That means skywatchers will have several additional opportunities to enjoy bright lunar displays in the coming months.

Four Consecutive Supermoons Are Coming

The Hunter’s Moon is only the beginning of an exciting period for lunar observers.

Following October’s full Moon, the next four full Moons are expected to qualify as supermoons.

The sequence includes:

• November 24, 2026 — Beaver Supermoon: November’s full Moon, traditionally associated with the seasonal activities of beavers and preparations for winter.

• December 24, 2026 — Cold Supermoon: A Christmas Eve full Moon named for the colder temperatures and long winter nights.

• January 2027 — Supermoon: The first full Moon of the new year will continue the sequence.

• February 2027 — Supermoon: The fourth consecutive supermoon will complete the unusual run.

The exact viewing conditions will depend on local weather, atmospheric clarity and the Moon’s position in the sky.

For those who miss October’s Hunter’s Moon because of cloud cover, the November Beaver Supermoon will offer another opportunity.

The Christmas Eve Cold Supermoon may be especially memorable because of its timing during the holiday season.

Could the Orionid Meteor Shower Add to the Spectacle?

The Hunter’s Moon is not the only astronomical attraction visible around this time of year.

The Orionid meteor shower, which occurs annually in October, has recently passed its peak.

The shower is associated with debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.

As Earth travels through this stream of particles, small fragments enter the atmosphere at high speed and produce brief streaks of light commonly called shooting stars.

Although the Orionids are past their peak, some meteors may still be visible during the Hunter’s Moon weekend.

However, the brightness of the full Moon will make fainter meteors more difficult to spot.

Moonlight increases the brightness of the night sky, reducing the contrast between faint meteor trails and the surrounding darkness.

Observers hoping to see shooting stars should allow their eyes time to adjust and look toward darker portions of the sky when possible.

Even with the interference from moonlight, a particularly bright meteor may still be visible.

Will the Weather Cooperate Across the United Kingdom?

Weather conditions will play a major role in determining how clearly the Hunter’s Moon can be seen.

According to the BBC Weather outlook published on October 23, viewing prospects vary considerably across the United Kingdom.

Northern Scotland is expected to experience particularly unsettled conditions early Sunday evening as Storm Boelocontinues to bring rain and strong winds.

However, the outlook suggests that opportunities for moon viewing may improve as the night progresses.

Western Scotland and northwestern England could experience blustery showers, with occasional breaks in the clouds providing brief viewing opportunities.

Other parts of the UK may experience clearer conditions, particularly earlier in the evening.

Cloud cover is expected to increase from the southwest later in the night, potentially reducing visibility in some locations.

Because cloud patterns can change quickly, anyone planning to observe the Moon should check an updated local forecast before heading outside.

Even a short break in the clouds may provide an opportunity to see the full lunar disk.

Where Is the Best Place to Watch the Hunter’s Moon?

One of the advantages of observing a full Moon is that no specialized astronomical equipment is required.

Unlike faint galaxies or distant nebulae, the Moon is bright enough to be seen clearly with the naked eye.

For the best experience, choose a location with an unobstructed view toward the eastern horizon during moonrise.

Open fields, elevated viewpoints, parks and waterfront locations can provide attractive viewing conditions.

An area with limited artificial lighting may also make the surrounding night sky more enjoyable, although dark skies are not essential for observing the Moon itself.

Photographers may prefer locations where the Moon can be framed against buildings, trees or recognizable landmarks.

Binoculars can reveal additional details across the lunar surface, including the darker plains known as lunar maria.

A small telescope can provide an even closer view, although the full Moon’s direct illumination tends to reduce the shadows that make some craters and mountains stand out most clearly.

How to Photograph the Hunter’s Moon

The Hunter’s Moon offers an excellent opportunity for both amateur and experienced photographers.

Capturing its appearance near the horizon can produce especially dramatic images.

A camera with a telephoto lens can make the Moon appear prominent within the frame.

Using a tripod can help stabilize the camera and reduce unwanted motion.

Because the Moon is much brighter than the surrounding night sky, photographers may need to reduce exposure to preserve details on its surface.

Automatic camera settings can sometimes overexpose the Moon, turning it into a bright white circle without visible texture.

For smartphone photography, reducing exposure and using a supported optical zoom can improve results.

Including foreground elements such as buildings, trees or silhouettes can create a sense of scale and atmosphere.

The Moon’s warm color near the horizon may provide an additional visual effect.

However, that appearance can change as the Moon rises and its light passes through less atmosphere.

Understanding the Full Moon and the Lunar Cycle

A full Moon occurs approximately every 29.5 days, the average length of the lunar phase cycle.

During this period, the Moon moves through a sequence of familiar phases, including the new Moon, first quarter, full Moon and last quarter.

These phases are caused by the changing angle between the Sun, Earth and Moon as the Moon orbits our planet.

During a full Moon, the hemisphere facing Earth is illuminated almost entirely by sunlight.

The Moon does not produce its own light.

Instead, it reflects sunlight toward Earth.

Although the full Moon occurs at a precise astronomical moment, its appearance changes gradually.

That is why it can look nearly full for more than one night.

In 2026, the calendar includes 13 full Moons rather than the more familiar 12.

October’s Hunter’s Moon is the 11th of those 13 full Moons.

Why the Hunter’s Moon Continues to Fascinate Skywatchers

The Hunter’s Moon combines astronomical science with centuries of cultural tradition.

Its seasonal name recalls the relationship between human communities, the natural environment and the changing length of daylight.

Its appearance near the horizon can produce striking colors and visual effects.

And its timing provides an opportunity to reflect on the regular movement of the Moon around Earth.

Unlike rare astronomical events that require travel or specialized equipment, a full Moon is accessible to millions of observers.

Anyone with a clear view of the sky can enjoy the spectacle.

For families, it can also provide a simple introduction to astronomy.

Watching the Moon rise, discussing its phases and observing its changing appearance can help explain how Earth, the Sun and the Moon interact.

Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Autumn Moon Before a Remarkable Supermoon Season

October’s Hunter’s Moon is expected to illuminate the night sky from Sunday, October 25, into Monday, October 26, 2026.

The full Moon will reach its official peak at 4:11 a.m. GMT on Monday, although it should appear nearly full on both surrounding nights.

Observers may see a warm orange or reddish Moon near the horizon, along with the familiar illusion that makes it appear larger than usual.

Weather conditions will determine visibility across the UK, with northern areas facing unsettled conditions and other regions potentially enjoying clearer skies.

The event also arrives shortly before four consecutive supermoons, beginning with November’s Beaver Supermoon and continuing through February 2027.

Whether viewed from a city balcony, a countryside field or a quiet coastal location, the Hunter’s Moon offers a beautiful reminder of the natural wonders visible above us.

And for those fortunate enough to have clear skies this weekend, the sight of October’s glowing full Moon rising over the autumn landscape could be one of the season’s most memorable celestial moments.

Editor's note: This article is a rewritten and expanded version of the BBC Weather report published October 23, 2026. The viewing times and weather outlook refer primarily to the United Kingdom and may differ in other countries.