Tonight's Full Moon in December 2025: What is a Supermoon and How to Witness It

The final spectacular lunar display of 2025 will take place on Thursday, December 4. This months full moon, often called the Cold Moon, marks the fourth supermoon of the year. It gets its chilly nickname because it appears during the colder season, close to the winter solstice, as noted by the Almanac.

Understanding a Supermoon

A supermoon happens when the full moon coincides with its nearest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. This proximity makes the moon appear noticeably larger and more luminous than usual, according to NASA.

Best Time to Watch

The Cold Moon will reach its peak brightness at 6:14 p.m. ET on December 4. During this event, the moon can look up to 8% bigger and about 16% brighter than a typical full moon. For the best viewing, seek a location away from city lights with a clear view of the horizon. Using binoculars or a telescope can reveal even more lunar details.

To find the ideal time to observe the supermoon in your area, you can use the Almanacs Moon Rise Calculator.

Author: Sophia Brooks