Flower micromoon: When to see May’s full moon and why it’s special
May’s Flower Moon is a micromoon - here’s when you can see it.
Sky watchers are being alerted to the best times to see the May full moon - known as the Flower Moon - over the UK this week. Also known as the Planting Moon or Milk Moon, the Flower Moon was named in recognition of the spring, when it appears and is expected to rise on Friday (May 1).
And to add to the excitement for stargazers, this year’s Flower Moon is also a micromoon, meaning it will appear slightly smaller in the sky - and may be somewhat dimmer - as it is at its furthest point from the Earth, in opposition to a supermoon, when it is closer.
Those looking out for the Flower Moon are being urged to take a look at around 6.23pm on Friday, when it will be at its clearest. It will then rise through the evening, before it disappears at dawn.
And the Met Office said conditions would be good for sky watchers, as largely sunny conditions are predicted for the weekend, giving clear skies for those hoping to catch a glimpse - though there are storm clouds around.
Even if we miss the Flower Moon, on May 31, the second full moon of May - the Blue Moon - is set to peak at 9.45am.
Full moons in 2026
- The Strawberry Moon, June 30
- The Buck Moon, July 29
- The Sturgeon Moon, August 28
- The Harvest Moon, September 26
- The Hunter’s Moon, October 26
- The Beaver Moon, November 24
- The Cold Moon, December 24