Clouds may obstruct the last full moon of 2025

The last full moon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, may be hidden behind clouds for viewers in Atlanta on Thursday evening. This event also marks the final supermoon of the year, reaching its peak at 6:14 p.m.

The moon is expected to rise around 5:15 p.m., just minutes before sunset. Moonset is scheduled for 7:10 a.m. on Friday. The December full moon, traditionally called the Cold Moon, signals the start of winter and colder weather across the Northern Hemisphere. It is sometimes referred to as the Long Night Moon.

A supermoon occurs when the moon is near its closest point to Earth, appearing up to 15 percent larger and brighter. This Cold Moon is the last full moon and supermoon of 2025, and it will be the highest full moon of the year, following supermoons in October and November.

Temperatures in Atlanta are expected to be in the upper 40s at sunset, dropping to around 42 degrees by the time the moon reaches full brightness. Northern Georgia mountains will experience temperatures 5 to 10 degrees cooler. Cloud cover will increase early Thursday and persist until after midnight, greatly reducing the chance of a clear view. Any glimpses of the moon may only appear near the eastern horizon.

Rain is expected to begin by sunrise Friday and continue through the morning commute. Observers may need luck to catch a brief view of the Cold Moon.

Author's Comment: Cold Moon of 2025 – A Faded Final Supermoon

The Cold Moon, marking the last full moon of 2025 and the final supermoon of the year, is expected to be obscured by cloud cover in Atlanta on Thursday evening. With its peak set for 6:14 p.m., the supermoon will coincide with the moonrise just minutes before sunset at 5:15 p.m. However, due to increasing cloud cover throughout the day, viewers in the region may not be able to enjoy a clear view of this celestial event.

Despite the excitement surrounding the occurrence of the supermoon—when the moon appears up to 15 percent larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth—weather conditions are likely to leave many disappointed. The anticipated cloud cover, combined with early rainfall, will diminish the chances for observers to witness the full beauty of the Cold Moon in the Atlanta area. Even those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse will likely only see it near the eastern horizon, due to the persistent clouds.

For those hoping for a clear view, it’s worth noting that temperatures will be cool, with a high of 42 degrees expected by the time the moon reaches full brightness. However, with the rain forecasted to begin at sunrise and last through the morning commute, the window for viewing the moon is tight. The Long Night Moon, as it’s also known, may end up being more elusive than anticipated, leaving many to wonder if the year’s final supermoon will live up to expectations.

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• Last full moon of 2025 could be crashed by clouds