Next full moon in December 2025 will be a supermoon

The final full moon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, is expected to rise in just a few days. Following November's Beaver Moon, which reached its peak at 8:19 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, skywatchers are preparing for another spectacular celestial event. Earlier this year, observers enjoyed the Harvest Moon and several other notable sky phenomena.

When Will the December Full Moon Occur?

The Cold Moon will be at its brightest on December 4 at 6:14 p.m., according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. The best time to view it is shortly after moonrise, when it appears larger on the horizon.

December's Supermoon

This December full moon is also the third and final supermoon of the year. Supermoons occur when a full or new moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth. During this alignment, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. Typically, supermoons appear three or four times a year in consecutive months. In 2025, supermoons occurred in September, October, November, and now December.

The Biggest Supermoon of 2025

November's supermoon was the most impressive of the year, appearing 7.9% larger and 16% brighter than a standard full moon, according to Star Walk.

Geminid Meteor Shower in December

Alongside the Cold Moon, December brings the Geminid meteor shower. Considered one of the year's most active and dependable showers, meteors can be seen throughout the night. Peak viewing typically occurs around 2 a.m., though meteors are visible as early as 9 p.m. once the sun sets.

Origins of the "Cold Moon" Name

The Old Farmer's Almanac notes that the 12 full moons each year have names derived from Native American traditions. According to Britt Lundren, Associate Professor of Astronomy at UNC Asheville, these names reflect the seasonal changes unique to each tribe's environment. The name Cold Moon, associated with the Mohawk tribe, signifies the chilly temperatures of December.

Other Traditional Moon Names

• Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers (Dakota)
• Corn Moon - September (was Harvest Moon in 2024)
• Hunter Moon - October (also the Harvest Moon in 2025)

These traditional moon names offer a glimpse into the cultural and environmental heritage of Native American tribes.

Reported by Iris Seaton for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact: iseaton@citizentimes.com.

Author: Sophia Brooks