June 2026 contains four primary lunar phases, anchored by the Strawberry Moon full moon on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 7:56 PM EDT (23:56 UTC on June 29 / 00:57 BST on Tuesday, June 30, 2026).
The month also features a new moon on Monday, June 15, 2026, the summer solstice on Sunday, June 21, 2026, and no lunar eclipse.
June 2026 returns to a single full moon after May’s rare Blue Moon month. The June 29 full moon is also classified as a Micromoon — the third consecutive Micromoon following May 1 and May 31, 2026.
| Phase | Date (EDT) | Date (UTC) | Time (EDT) | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last Quarter | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | ~7:00 AM EDT | ~11:00 UTC |
| New Moon | Monday, June 15, 2026 | Monday, June 15, 2026 | ~10:54 PM EDT | ~02:54 UTC (Jun 16) |
| Summer Solstice | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 4:25 AM EDT | 08:25 UTC |
| First Quarter | Monday, June 22, 2026 | Monday, June 22, 2026 | ~3:00 PM EDT | ~19:00 UTC |
| Full Moon – Strawberry Moon | Monday, June 29, 2026 | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 7:56 PM EDT | 23:56 UTC |
Table of Contents
Moon Phase Calendar for June 2026 – Complete Date-by-Date
June 2026 contains all eight lunar phases across a 30-day month, beginning with the Waning Gibbous on Monday, June 1, and ending with the Full Strawberry Moon on Monday, June 29.
| Date | Day | Phase | Illumination (Approx.) | Constellation (Astronomical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2026 | Monday | Waning Gibbous | 92% | Scorpius |
| June 2, 2026 | Tuesday | Waning Gibbous | 85% | Ophiuchus |
| June 3, 2026 | Wednesday | Waning Gibbous | 77% | Ophiuchus |
| June 4, 2026 | Thursday | Waning Gibbous | 67% | Sagittarius |
| June 5, 2026 | Friday | Waning Gibbous | 57% | Sagittarius |
| June 6, 2026 | Saturday | Waning Gibbous | 47% | Capricornus |
| June 7, 2026 | Sunday | Last Quarter | 50% | Capricornus |
| June 8, 2026 | Monday | Waning Crescent | 38% | Aquarius |
| June 9, 2026 | Tuesday | Waning Crescent | 28% | Aquarius |
| June 10, 2026 | Wednesday | Waning Crescent | 19% | Pisces |
| June 11, 2026 | Thursday | Waning Crescent | 12% | Pisces |
| June 12, 2026 | Friday | Waning Crescent | 6% | Aries |
| June 13, 2026 | Saturday | Waning Crescent | 2% | Taurus |
| June 14, 2026 | Sunday | Waning Crescent | 1% | Taurus |
| June 15, 2026 | Monday | New Moon | 0% | Gemini |
| June 16, 2026 | Tuesday | Waxing Crescent | 1% | Gemini |
| June 17, 2026 | Wednesday | Waxing Crescent | 3% | Cancer |
| June 18, 2026 | Thursday | Waxing Crescent | 8% | Cancer |
| June 19, 2026 | Friday | Waxing Crescent | 14% | Leo |
| June 20, 2026 | Saturday | Waxing Crescent | 22% | Leo |
| June 21, 2026 | Sunday | Waxing Crescent | 31% | Virgo |
| June 22, 2026 | Monday | First Quarter | 50% | Virgo |
| June 23, 2026 | Tuesday | Waxing Gibbous | 59% | Libra |
| June 24, 2026 | Wednesday | Waxing Gibbous | 68% | Libra |
| June 25, 2026 | Thursday | Waxing Gibbous | 77% | Scorpius |
| June 26, 2026 | Friday | Waxing Gibbous | 84% | Ophiuchus |
| June 27, 2026 | Saturday | Waxing Gibbous | 91% | Sagittarius |
| June 28, 2026 | Sunday | Waxing Gibbous | 97% | Sagittarius |
| June 29, 2026 | Monday | Full Moon (Strawberry Moon / Micromoon) | 100% | Sagittarius |
| June 30, 2026 | Tuesday | Waning Gibbous | 99% | Capricornus |
Illumination percentages are approximate values based on standard lunar cycle progression. Precise illumination data can be verified using NASA’s Moon Phase and Libration tool or the US Naval Observatory Astronomical Almanac.
Full Moon June 2026 – The Strawberry Moon
The full moon in June 2026 is on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 7:56 PM EDT. In UTC, this is 23:56 UTC on June 29. For observers in the UK and Europe, the full moon crosses midnight into Tuesday, June 30, 202,6 in BST (British Summer Time, UTC+1) at 00:56 BST.
| Time Zone | Local Date | Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| EDT (Eastern US, UTC−4) | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 7:56 PM |
| CDT (Central US, UTC−5) | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 6:56 PM |
| MDT (Mountain US, UTC−6) | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 5:56 PM |
| PDT (Pacific US, UTC−7) | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 4:56 PM |
| UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 23:56 |
| BST (UK, UTC+1) | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 00:56 AM |
| CET (Central Europe, UTC+2) | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 01:56 AM |
| IST (India, UTC+5:30) | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 05:26 AM |
| AEST (Australia East, UTC+10) | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 09:56 AM |
North American observers experience the Strawberry Moon on Monday, June 29. UK and European observers experienced it on Tuesday, June 30, local time. This time zone split is the primary cause of conflicting dates seen across calendar and astronomy websites.
What Is the Strawberry Moon? Is It Actually Red or Pink?
The Strawberry Moon is not red, pink, or strawberry-colored. The June full moon appears white to pale gold, identical to any other full moon. The name derives from the wild strawberry harvest season in northeastern North America, not from any change in the moon’s color.
The name was recorded in Algonquin-speaking Indigenous North American traditions and was codified in colonial-era almanacs, most notably the Old Farmer’s Almanac (published continuously since 1792). In Indigenous traditions of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, June marked the brief but intense wild strawberry harvest — typically lasting only two to three weeks — making the full moon a reliable seasonal marker for when to collect ripe fruit.
| Source of “strawberry” in the name | Reality |
|---|---|
| Moon color on June 29, 2026 | White to pale gold |
| Source of “strawberry” in name | Wild strawberry harvest season in northeastern North America |
| Name authority | Algonquin tradition; Old Farmer’s Almanac |
| Alternative names | Mead Moon, Honey Moon, Hot Moon, Rose Moon, Thunder Moon (regional) |
| Honey Moon connection | The June full moon is also the traditional namesake of the post-wedding “honeymoon” — newlyweds historically traveled during the June full moon when travel conditions were favorable |
| Is it a supermoon? | No. June 29, 2026 is a Micromoon (near apogee) |
| Is there an eclipse? | Source of “strawberry” in the name |
The June 29 full moon may appear orange or amber when rising near the horizon. This effect results from atmospheric refraction — light passing through a greater thickness of atmosphere at low angles scatters the shorter blue wavelengths, leaving the longer red and orange wavelengths. This is identical to the mechanism that produces orange sunsets and is unrelated to the Strawberry Moon name.
Why Is the 2026 Strawberry Moon So Late in June?
The June 2026 Strawberry Moon falls on Monday, June 29 — later in the month than average — because the May 2026 lunar cycle began earlier than usual. The lunar synodic cycle averages 29.53 days. May 2026 contained two full moons (May 1 and May 31), with the second full moon (Blue Moon) occurring late in May. The next full moon after May 31 falls 29.53 days later, which calculates to approximately June 29–30, pushing the Strawberry Moon to the end of June.
In years when a single full moon falls in mid-May, the following full moon arrives in mid-June. The 2026 pattern — resulting from the May Blue Moon — delays the June full moon by approximately two weeks compared to average.
The June 2026 Strawberry Moon is a Micromoon – the third in a Row
The June 29, 2026, Strawberry Moon is classified as a Micromoon, occurring near lunar apogee — the farthest point in the moon’s elliptical orbit from Earth — at approximately 405,254 kilometers.
This makes June 29 the third consecutive Micromoon in 2026, following the Flower Moon on Friday, May 1, 2026, and the Blue Moon on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Three consecutive Micromoons occurring within two months is a consequence of the moon’s apogee alignment cycling close to full moon timing during this period of the 2026 orbital cycle.
| Full Moon | Date | Distance from Earth | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Moon | Friday, May 1, 2026 | ~402,000 km | Micromoon |
| Blue Moon | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | ~404,000 km | Micromoon |
| Strawberry Moon | Monday, June 29, 2026 | ~405,254 km | Micromoon |
| Comparison | Approximate Angular Diameter | Apparent Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Supermoon (full moon at perigee) | ~33.5 arcminutes | Appears approximately 14% larger than average |
| Average full moon | ~31.1 arcminutes | Baseline |
| Micromoon (June 29, 2026) | ~29.4 arcminutes | Appears approximately 5–7% smaller, 10% dimmer than average |
The Micromoon classification does not produce a dramatic visual difference to the naked eye. The approximately 5–7% reduction in apparent diameter from the average is not reliably perceptible without direct comparison. However, astrophotographers using telephoto lenses will produce images with a measurably smaller lunar disc compared to supermoon photography sessions.
Moon Phases June 2026 – Astronomy vs. Astrology Reference
The June 29 full moon falls astronomically in the constellation Sagittarius but astrologically in the sign of Capricorn under the Western tropical zodiac. This discrepancy results from axial precession — Earth’s slow 26,000-year rotational wobble — which has shifted the astronomical constellation boundaries approximately 23–24 degrees from the tropical zodiac sign positions established approximately 2,000 years ago.
| Phase | Date | Astronomical Constellation | Astrological Sign (Western Tropical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Quarter | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | Capricornus | Virgo |
| New Moon | Monday, June 15, 2026 | Gemini | Gemini |
| First Quarter | Monday, June 22, 2026 | Virgo | Virgo |
| Full Moon (Strawberry Moon) | Monday, June 29, 2026 | Sagittarius | Capricorn |
The June 15 new moon is one of the few phases in June where the astronomical constellation and the astrological sign closely align, both placing the moon in or near Gemini.
New Moon June 2026 – Monday, June 15, 2026
The new moon in June 2026 occurs on Monday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 02:54 UTC, which translates to Sunday, June 14, at 10:54 PM EDT for Eastern US observers. For UK and European observers, the new moon falls on Monday, June 15, local time.
The June 15 new moon falls astronomically and astrologically within Gemini. In Western astrological tradition, a new moon in Gemini is associated with themes of communication, information exchange, learning, adaptability, and social connection.
June 15 New Moon – Optimal Stargazing Window
The new moon on Monday, June 15, produces the darkest skies of June 2026, creating optimal conditions for deep-sky observation and astrophotography. This dark-sky window extends from approximately June 12 through June 18, with the darkest conditions on June 14–16.
Objects that benefit from dark-sky conditions during this window include:
- The Milky Way galactic core, rising in the southeast after midnight from mid-northern latitudes
- Globular clusters in Scorpius and Ophiuchus (M4, M80, M107)
- The Lagoon Nebula (M8) and Trifid Nebula (M20) in Sagittarius
- Faint planetary nebulae requiring high magnification under dark skies
Summer Solstice June 21, 2026 – Moon Phase and Sky Conditions
The summer solstice in 2026 occurs on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 08:25 UTC (4:25 AM EDT), marking the first day of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest day of the year at northern latitudes. In the Southern Hemisphere, June 21, 2026, marks the winter solstice — the shortest day of the year.
| Location | Approximate Daylight Duration on June 21, 2026 |
|---|---|
| New York, USA (40.7° N) | ~15 hours 13 minutes |
| London, UK (51.5° N) | ~16 hours 38 minutes |
| Reykjavik, Iceland (64.1° N) | ~21 hours 8 minutes |
| Sydney, Australia (33.9° S) | ~9 hours 54 minutes |
| Buenos Aires, Argentina (34.6° S) | ~9 hours 45 minutes |
Moon Phase on the Summer Solstice
The moon phase on Sunday, June 21, 2026, is the Waxing Crescent at approximately 31% illumination, one day before the First Quarter. The moon is visible in the western sky in the afternoon and early evening, setting approximately at or around midnight local time, depending on latitude.
This phase provides a moderate amount of early-evening moonlight while leaving the pre-dawn hours — optimal for astronomy — relatively dark. On the solstice night, the darkest period falls from approximately midnight until morning twilight.
The Strawberry Moon and the Summer Solstice – An 8-Day Gap
The June 2026 summer solstice (June 21) and the Strawberry Moon (June 29) are 8 days apart. They do not coincide. Users searching for a “solstice full moon” in June 2026 will not find one.
A full moon on or near the summer solstice is a relatively rare event that produces the “lowest full moon” of the year for Northern Hemisphere observers. When the sun is at its highest declination (around the solstice), the full moon — which sits opposite the sun — is at its lowest declination, tracking a low arc across the southern sky throughout the night. In 2026, this effect partially applies to the June 29 Strawberry Moon, which tracks noticeably lower in the sky than full moons occurring in autumn or winter.
| Elongated appearance near the horizon | Why It Happens | Observational Result |
|---|---|---|
| Low-arc full moon (summer solstice period) | Sun at high declination; full moon opposite = low declination | Moon skims southern horizon (Northern Hemisphere); maximum atmospheric path |
| Orange/amber coloration | Atmospheric scattering increases at low angles | More orange-red tones, especially at moonrise |
| Elongated appearance near horizon | Moon Illusion (perceptual) + atmospheric refraction | Elongated appearance near the horizon |
The “Low-Hanging” Strawberry Moon – Why It Looks Different in June
The June 29, 2026, Strawberry Moon will appear relatively low in the southern sky for Northern Hemisphere observers throughout the night, unlike autumn or winter full moons that arc high overhead. This is a direct consequence of the moon’s position relative to the summer solstice.
Near the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The full moon, being positioned opposite the sun on the celestial sphere, is correspondingly at its lowest declination of the year. For observers at 40° North latitude (New York, Denver, Madrid, Beijing), the Strawberry Moon will reach a maximum elevation of approximately 23–25 degrees above the southern horizon at transit — compared to 70+ degrees for a full moon near the winter solstice.
This low trajectory has two practical implications for observers:
- Longer atmospheric path: The moon’s light passes through more of Earth’s atmosphere for most of the night, increasing orange and amber coloration compared to high-elevation full moons
- Landscape photography opportunity: A full moon that stays low produces extended opportunities for horizon-level compositions with foreground elements such as trees, buildings, or water reflections
June 2026 Stargazing Guide – Summer Solstice Week
The week of the summer solstice, June 21–30, 2026, offers several astronomical events beyond the moon phases, including planetary conjunctions and the appearance of noctilucent clouds.
Planetary Visibility – June 21 Through June 30, 2026
| Planet | Visibility Window | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus | 1–3 hours after sunset | West-Northwest | Brilliant white; the “Evening Star”; naked-eye visible |
| Jupiter | Sunset until approximately 11:00 PM | West-Northwest | Bright white; binoculars reveal four Galilean moons |
| Mercury | 45 minutes after sunset | Very low West | Faint yellowish; best visibility ends around June 22 |
| Saturn | 1:00 AM until dawn | East-Southeast | Yellowish-white; rings increasingly tilted toward Earth |
| Mars | 3:30 AM until dawn | Low East | Faint orange-red; not near opposition; lower brightness |
Venus-Jupiter Proximity – June 2026
Venus and Jupiter reach close proximity in June 2026, appearing within approximately 1 degree of each other at peak conjunction around June 9, 2026. By the summer solstice on June 21, they have separated but remain visually striking together in the western sky after sunset. The angular separation of approximately 1 degree corresponds roughly to the apparent width of the little finger held at arm’s length against the sky.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a visual alignment is observable in the western evening sky: the Waxing Crescent Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury are all visible in the twilight, forming a diagonal line from southeast to northwest. This grouping is visible to the naked eye approximately 30–60 minutes after sunset.
Noctilucent Clouds – June 2026
June is peak season for noctilucent clouds (NLCs) across the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes. These high-altitude ice crystal formations occur at approximately 80 kilometers altitude in the mesosphere and scatter sunlight after sunset, appearing as electric-blue or silver-white wispy clouds visible on the northern horizon.
Noctilucent clouds are visible from latitudes between approximately 50° N and 70° N — covering much of Canada, the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, and northern Russia — during the weeks surrounding the summer solstice. The optimal viewing time is 60–90 minutes after local sunset, facing north.
NLCs are not visible from southern latitudes or from the Southern Hemisphere during June because the mesosphere at those locations does not receive post-sunset illumination at a suitable angle during southern winter.
Moon Phase on Specific Dates in June 2026
The following section identifies the lunar phase for individual dates in June 2026, useful for birthday moon phases, event planning, gardening, and astronomy.
Moon Phase on June 1, 2026
The moon phase on Monday, June 1, 2026, is the Waning Gibbous at approximately 92% illumination. This is two days after the May 31 Blue Moon. The moon rises in the early evening and remains bright throughout the night.
Moon Phase on June 7, 2026
The moon phase on Sunday, June 7, 2026, is the Last Quarter at 50% illumination. The left half of the moon is illuminated as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. The moon rises near midnight and sets near noon.
Moon Phase on June 15, 2026
The moon phase on Monday, June 15, 2026, is the New Moon at 0% illumination. This is the darkest night of June 2026. The exact new moon moment is approximately 02:54 UTC (10:54 PM EDT on June 14 for Eastern US observers).
Moon Phase on June 20, 2026
The moon phase on Saturday, June 20, 2026, is the Waxing Crescent at approximately 22% illumination. This is the day before the summer solstice and one day before the First Quarter.
Moon Phase on June 21, 2026
The moon phase on Sunday, June 21, 2026, is the Waxing Crescent at approximately 31% illumination — one day before the First Quarter. This is also the day of the summer solstice at 08:25 UTC.
Moon Phase on June 22, 2026
The moon phase on Monday, June 22, 2026, is the First Quarter at 50% illumination. The moon is at exactly half illumination on this date, rising at approximately noon and setting near midnight.
Moon Phase on June 29, 2026
The moon phase on Monday, June 29, 2026, is the Full Moon (Strawberry Moon / Micromoon) at 100% illumination. The full moon peaks at 7:56 PM EDT (23:56 UTC). This is the brightest night of June 2026.
Moon Phases June 2026 – Gardening and Planting Calendar
Biodynamic lunar gardening uses the moon’s phase to time planting, harvesting, and soil work. June is a high-activity growing month across most Northern Hemisphere climate zones, with long daylight hours supporting rapid plant growth. The method is documented in Rudolf Steiner’s 1924 agricultural lectures and Maria Thun’s annually published Biodynamic Calendar.
| Date Range | Moon Phase | Direction | Recommended Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1–6, 2026 | Waning Gibbous | Waning | Root vegetables; harvesting; composting |
| June 7, 2026 | Last Quarter | Waning | Soil rest and preparation |
| June 8–14, 2026 | Waning Crescent | Waning | Weeding; pruning; root crops |
| June 15, 2026 | New Moon | Waxing begins | Soil rest; avoid planting |
| June 16–21, 2026 | Waxing Crescent | Waxing | Leafy vegetables; herbs; above-ground crops |
| June 22, 2026 | First Quarter | Waxing | Fruiting plants; flowering plants |
| June 23–28, 2026 | Waxing Gibbous | Waxing | Fruits; grains; transplanting |
| June 29, 2026 | Full Moon | Waning begins | Harvest; avoid transplanting |
| June 30, 2026 | Waning Gibbous | Waning | Begin root crop and harvesting cycle |
Note: Biodynamic lunar gardening is a traditional agricultural practice. Peer-reviewed scientific research has not consistently demonstrated significant effects of lunar phases on plant growth in controlled conditions, as noted in a meta-analysis in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture (Vogt & Gorissen, 1995). Practitioners typically combine lunar timing with standard agronomy for their USDA hardiness zone, local frost calendar, and soil type.
June 2026 Moon Phases – Spiritual and Astrological Meanings
The following section presents spiritual and metaphysical interpretations associated with the June 2026 moon phases, drawn from Western astrological tradition and modern wellness practices. These are presented as cultural and traditional information.
Strawberry Moon in Capricorn – Monday, June 29, 2026
In Western astrological tradition, the full moon in Capricorn is associated with themes of ambition, professional structure, long-term goals, responsibility, and practical achievement. Capricorn is an Earth sign ruled by Saturn. The Capricorn full moon is traditionally used in spiritual practice to review long-term commitments, evaluate career progress, and release habits or obligations that no longer support sustained goals.
The June 29 Capricorn full moon occurs at the end of the calendar month and near the midpoint of the astrological year, which practitioners use as a checkpoint for annual intentions set at the January new moon.
New Moon in Gemini – Monday, June 15, 2026
In Western astrological tradition, a new moon in Gemini is associated with themes of communication, learning, curiosity, information exchange, and social connection. Gemini is an Air sign ruled by Mercury, the planet associated with communication and intellect. The Gemini new moon is traditionally used for setting intentions related to writing, speaking, social networking, learning new skills, and short-distance travel.
The Solstice-to-Full Moon Ritual Sequence – June 21 to June 29, 2026
The 8-day interval between the summer solstice (June 21) and the Strawberry Moon (June 29) is referenced in several spiritual and Neopagan traditions as a transition period from solar to lunar seasonal energy. Ostara and Litha (the Neopagan summer solstice celebration) both assign significance to the longest day, while the subsequent full moon is treated as a culmination point for intentions set during the solstice period.
June 2026 Moon Phases Compared to May and July 2026
June 2026 contains a single full moon, returning to the standard lunar cycle after May 2026’s rare Blue Moon (two full moons in one calendar month). The Strawberry Moon falls late in June due to the May Blue Moon cycle displacement.
| Month | Full Moon(s) | New Moon | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Friday, May 1 + Sunday, May 31 (Blue Moon) | Saturday, May 16 | Two full moons; both Micromoons |
| June 2026 | Monday, June 29 (Strawberry Moon) | Monday, June 15 | Micromoon; Summer Solstice June 21; No eclipse |
| July 2026 | Tuesday, July 28 or Wednesday, July 29 | Wednesday, July 15 | Single full moon; Thunder Moon |
There is no lunar eclipse in June 2026. The last eclipse was the total lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The next eclipse event in 2026 is a total solar eclipse expected in August 2026. Users encountering search results about a “June 2026 eclipse” are finding misinformation — no eclipse occurs in June.
Is There a Lunar Eclipse in June 2026?
No. There is no lunar eclipse in June 2026. The full moon on Monday, June 29, 2026, is not an eclipse. Lunar eclipses require the sun, Earth, and moon to align with sufficient precision for Earth’s shadow to fall on the moon. This geometry does not occur in June 2026.
The 2026 eclipse calendar is as follows:
| Eclipse | Date | Type | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Lunar Eclipse | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Total (Blood Moon) | Americas, Europe, Africa |
| Total Solar Eclipse | August 2026 | Total | Path across northern regions |
June 2026 contains neither a solar nor a lunar eclipse.
Photographing the Strawberry Moon – June 29, 2026
The Strawberry Moon on Monday, June 29, 2026, provides specific photographic conditions that differ from other full moons due to its low arc in the summer sky.
Low-Elevation Photography Opportunity
The June 29, 202,6 full moon tracks at a noticeably lower elevation than autumn or winter full moons for Northern Hemisphere observers. At 40° North latitude, the moon’s maximum elevation above the southern horizon on this night is approximately 23–25 degrees, compared to over 70 degrees for the December full moon. This creates extended opportunities for moon-and-landscape compositions that are unavailable when the moon tracks high overhead.
The moonrise on the eastern horizon shortly before or around 7:56 PM EDT offers a window where the low-angle moon can be framed against buildings, trees, or bodies of water. Due to the atmospheric path length, the moon also appears more strongly orange-amber at this elevation.
Photography Settings Reference for June 29, 2026
| Moon high in the sky | Situation | ISO | Aperture | Shutter Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSLR / Mirrorless | Moonrise near horizon | 200–400 | f/8–f/11 | 1/250–1/500 second |
| DSLR / Mirrorless | Moon high in sky | 100–200 | f/8–f/11 | 1/500–1/1000 second |
| Smartphone | Moonrise (Pro/Manual mode) | 200–400 | Widest available | 1/250 second |
| Smartphone | Full moon overhead | Auto or manual | Auto | Moon high in the sky |
A telephoto lens of 200mm or longer (full-frame equivalent) is recommended to render the moon at a meaningful size in the frame. Moonrise time varies by 2–4 minutes per degree of longitude and by elevation above sea level. Use a location-specific moonrise calculator such as TimeAndDate.com for precise local timing before the shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moon Phases in June 2026
What are the moon phases in June 2026?
June 2026 contains all four primary phases: Last Quarter on Sunday, June 7, New Moon on Monday, June 15, First Quarter on Monday, June 22, and Full Moon (Strawberry Moon) on Monday, June 29.
When is the full moon in June 2026?
The full moon in June 2026 is on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 7:56 PM EDT (23:56 UTC). UK and European observers experienced it on Tuesday, June 30, local time.
Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?
The June full moon is called the Strawberry Moon because it coincides with the wild strawberry harvest season in northeastern North America. The name originates from Algonquin-speaking Indigenous North American peoples and was recorded in colonial-era almanacs. The moon does not appear pink or red.
Is the Strawberry Moon actually strawberry-colored?
No. The moon appears white to pale gold on June 29, 2026. Any orange coloration near the horizon results from atmospheric light scattering — the same process that makes sunsets orange — and is not related to the name’s origin.
Is the June 2026 full moon a supermoon?
No. The June 29, 2026, full moon is a Micromoon, occurring near lunar apogee at approximately 405,254 kilometers — farther than average from Earth. It appears approximately 5–7% smaller and 10% dimmer than an average full moon.
Is there a lunar eclipse in June 2026?
No. There is no lunar eclipse in June 2026. The last lunar eclipse was the total lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The next eclipse in 2026 occurs in August.
When is the new moon in June 2026?
The new moon in June 2026 is on Monday, June 15, 2026, at approximately 02:54 UTC (Sunday, June 14 at 10:54 PM EDT for Eastern US observers).
What moon phase is the summer solstice in 2026?
The moon phase on the summer solstice, Sunday, June 21, 2026, is the Waxing Crescent at approximately 31% illumination, one day before the First Quarter.
Is the Strawberry Moon on June 29 or June 30 in 2026?
It depends on your time zone. The full moon peaks at 23:56 UTC on Monday, June 29, 2026. North American observers (EDT, CDT, MDT, PDT) experience it on June 29 local time. UK observers (BST) and most European observers experience it as Tuesday, June 30, local time.
What zodiac sign is the June 29, 2026, full moon in?
Under the Western tropical zodiac, the June 29, 2026, full moon falls in Capricorn. Astronomically, the moon is positioned in the constellation Sagittarius on this date.
What is special about the June 2026 moon cycle?
June 2026 completes a three-consecutive-Micromoon sequence (May 1, May 31, June 29), features the summer solstice on June 21, and returns to a single full moon after May’s rare Blue Moon. The Strawberry Moon on June 29 is the last Micromoon in this sequence.
What moon phase is June 15, 2026?
The moon phase on Monday, June 15, 2026, is the New Moon at 0% illumination — the darkest night of the month and the best night in June 2026 for stargazing and deep-sky observation.
June 2026 Moon Phases – Quick Reference Summary
| Event | Date | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Quarter | Sunday, June 7, 2026 | ~11:00 UTC | Standard phase |
| New Moon (darkest night) | Monday, June 15, 2026 | ~02:54 UTC | Best deep-sky viewing |
| Summer Solstice | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | 08:25 UTC (4:25 AM EDT) | Longest day; Northern Hemisphere |
| First Quarter | Monday, June 22, 2026 | ~19:00 UTC | Standard phase |
| Full Moon – Strawberry Moon | Monday, June 29, 2026 | 23:56 UTC / 7:56 PM EDT | Micromoon; 3rd consecutive |
| UK/Europe date for full moon | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 00:56 BST | Time zone adjusted |
| Moon color on June 29 | White to pale gold | — | Not pink or red |
| Eclipse in June 2026 | None | — | Next eclipse August 2026 |
| Previous Blue Moon | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | — | Caused late Strawberry Moon date |
| Next full moon | Tuesday, July 28 or Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | — | Thunder Moon |
Lunar phase times in this article are sourced from NASA’s Moon Phase and Libration database and the US Naval Observatory Astronomical Almanac.
Full moon name data references the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Summer solstice time is sourced from the US Naval Observatory. Planetary visibility data is sourced from NASA Sky at a Glance and Heavens-Above.com.
Biodynamic gardening data references Maria Thun’s Biodynamic Calendar methodology. Astronomical constellation positions are based on IAU star chart boundaries. Micromoon distance data references NASA Solar System Exploration orbital calculations.
