The full moon in December 2025 will be a dramatic Cold Moon supermoon that caps off the year with a bright, high-riding show in the winter sky. Known as the Cold Moon, this final full moon will appear larger and more luminous than an average full moon because it occurs near the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it the last supermoon of 2025.
When Is the Full Moon December 2025?
The full moon December 2025, also called the Cold Moon, will reach peak illumination on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
- Peak brightness is expected around 6:14 p.m. ET (local times vary by region).
- The Moon will appear full and brilliant from roughly December 2–6, with the night of December 4 offering the best viewing.
Because full moons are opposite the Sun in the sky, the full moon December 2025 will rise near sunset and shine all night, setting near sunrise. In winter, this opposition means the Moon climbs higher than usual, making it appear especially bright and dominating the long December nights.
PASS IT ON! The Full Cold Moon & final Supermoon of 2025 arrives this Thursday night, December 4th. #Supermoon #Space pic.twitter.com/czT0MCPVmm
— Mark Tarello (@mark_tarello) November 29, 2025
Why December 2025 Is a Super Cold Moon
The full moon December 2025 qualifies as a super moon because it occurs near perigee, the point in the Moon’s elliptical orbit where it is closest to Earth.
- Supermoons can look up to about 10–14% larger and roughly 15–30% brighter than a typical full moon, though the difference is subtle to casual observers.
- December 2025’s Cold Moon is the third (and in some lists the fourth consecutive) super moon of the year, following earlier super moons in October and November.
Astronomers sometimes call this a “perigee full moon,” while popular usage favors “supermoon.” Either way, the full moon December 2025 will be one of the most eye-catching lunar events of the year, especially in clear, dark locations.
Why It’s Called the Cold Moon
The full moon December 2025 carries the traditional name “Cold Moon,” reflecting the onset of winter conditions in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Many sources trace the name to Indigenous and traditional naming systems where December’s full moon marked bitter cold and long nights.
- It is also known as the Long Night Moon or the Moon Before Yule in some folklore, emphasizing that it rises early and stays in the sky for much of the extended winter darkness.
With a polar vortex and below-average temperatures forecast for parts of the U.S. around early December 2025, the full moon December 2025 is expected to “live up” to its icy title.
How to See the Full Moon December 2025
To get the best view of the full moon December 2025:
- Look east shortly after sunset on December 4 to watch the Cold Moon rising; it will appear near Jupiter and winter constellations like Orion, creating a striking backdrop.
- Choose an open, dark area with minimal light pollution—fields, beaches, or hilltops—to fully appreciate the brightness of the super moon.
- Use binoculars or a telescope if you want to see craters and lunar seas in greater detail; even a smartphone or DSLR can capture impressive photos under clear skies.
If weather is cloudy on the exact date, you can still enjoy the nearly full Cold Moon a day before or after. The full moon December 2025 will remain above 90% illumination from about December 2–6, giving multiple opportunities to catch it between clouds.
Does the Full Moon December 2025 Affect Tides?
Like other super moons, the full moon December 2025 is expected to contribute to higher-than-usual high tides, often referred to as king tides.
- When the Sun, Earth, and Moon align during a full moon and the Moon is near perigee, their combined gravitational pull can create very high tides in coastal regions.
- Coastal areas may see especially strong tidal ranges in the days around December 4, so local authorities often advise extra caution for beachgoers, boaters, and low-lying communities.
In summary, the full moon December 2025—the Cold Moon—will be the final, dazzling supermoon of the year, offering sky watchers a bright, high winter moon, beautiful pairings with bright stars and planets, and a powerful reminder of how our Moon shapes both our night sky and our tides.