What time is the full moon tonight? September’s full Harvest Moon rises on Saturday, Sept. 26, giving skywatchers across North America one of the year’s most perfectly timed full moonrises — and for more than one evening.

The moon officially turns full at 12:49 p.m. EDT (9:49 a.m. PDT), when it is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun, but that won’t be the best time to look (besides, the moon won’t even be visible!).

The spectacle comes around sunset, when the Harvest Moon rises in the east into twilight. Grab some binoculars and head somewhere with a view low to the eastern horizon — and if skies are clear, prepare for one of nature’s most breathtaking sights.

When To See The Harvest Moon Tonight And Tomorrow

Since the full moon occurs on Saturday, Sept. 26, it’s that evening’s moonrise that is the actual full-moon moonrise across the contiguous U.S. If clouds spoil Saturday night’s view, try again on Sunday. The moon will still appear virtually full and will again rise close to sunset — precisely the phenomenon that makes the Harvest Moon special.

Here are some example full moonrise timings for Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27 (but since moonrise occurs at a slightly different time everywhere, check a moonrise calculator for your precise location).

  • Boston: 6:21 p.m. EDT on Saturday and 6:44 p.m. EDT on Sunday
  • New York City: 6:34 p.m. EDT on Saturday and 6:58 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
  • Washington, D.C.: 6:48 p.m. EDT on Saturday and 7:13 p.m. EDT on Sunday
  • Miami: 7:08 p.m. EDT on Saturday and 7:43 p.m. EDT on Sunday
  • Chicago: 6:29 p.m. CDT on Saturday and 6:52 p.m. CDT on Sunday
  • Austin: 7:17 p.m. CDT on Saturday and 7:49 p.m. CDT on Sunday
  • New Orleans: 6:46 p.m. CDT on Saturday and 7:18 p.m. CDT on Sunday
  • Denver: 6:41 p.m. MDT on Saturday and 7:06 p.m. MDT on Sunday
  • Phoenix: 6:14 p.m. MST on Saturday and 6:44 p.m. MST on Sunday
  • Seattle: 6:44 p.m. PDT on Saturday and 7:03 p.m. PDT on Sunday
  • Los Angeles: 6:39 p.m. PDT on Saturday and 7:08 p.m. PDT on Sunday

How To See The Full Harvest Moonrise (And Saturn)

Aim to be at your observing location for moonrise. You’ll need an unobstructed view low to the eastern horizon — and though the naked eye is fine, any pair of binoculars will get you a much better view.

As it appears, the full Harvest Moon will appear orange because its light travels through more of Earth’s atmosphere near the horizon. It may also look unusually large because of the “moon illusion” — when your brain sees it in the context of the horizon, which makes it seem larger.

Saturday night’s moonrise comes with a bonus. Saturn will shine close to the Harvest Moon and will be easily visible to the naked eye. Much fainter Neptune is also nearby but requires binoculars or a telescope.

Why It’s Called The Harvest Moon

The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the September equinox. However, its name is derived from its unusual celestial geometry. Whereas the moon typically rises around 50 minutes later each night, around the Harvest Moon it rises only a little later for several successive evenings at mid-northern latitudes. That historically provided extra moonlight soon after sunset during the harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere.

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.