The Strawberry Moon rises Monday night, June 29, 2026 [1], and will remain visible into early June 30 in some time zones [1].
This celestial event marks the first full Moon of the summer season [3]. It is particularly notable for astronomers as it represents the final micromoon of 2026 [2].
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere will see the Moon appearing unusually low on the horizon [4]. This visibility is expected in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Vancouver [4]. The naming of the "Strawberry Moon" stems from historical timing, as June typically coincides with the strawberry harvest [5].
While Northern observers see a low-hanging moon, those in the Southern Hemisphere will experience a different perspective. Observers in that region will see the highest full Moon of the year [5].
Because it is a micromoon, the Moon is near its apogee, the point in its orbit farthest from Earth. This makes the lunar disk appear slightly smaller than average. The event is visible worldwide, though local weather conditions may affect viewing quality in various regions [4].
“The June Strawberry Moon is the first full Moon of the summer season.”
The occurrence of a micromoon signifies the Moon's furthest point from Earth during its elliptical orbit. When this coincides with the summer solstice period in the North, the Moon's declination causes it to sit lower in the sky, creating a distinct visual profile for observers in cities across North America.
