The October 2026 full moon is the Hunter’s Moon. It peaks at 12:11 a.m. Eastern on Monday, October 26 (11:11 p.m. Central on Sunday, October 25), and it follows September’s Harvest Moon. Traditionally it marks the turn toward winter, which makes it a natural night to release what is finished and gather what will carry you through the cold months.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Hunter’s Moon peaks at 12:11 a.m. Eastern on Monday, October 26, which is 11:11 p.m. Central on Sunday, October 25.
- It is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, which fell on September 26 this year.
- The names come from folklore and almanacs. They are often linked to Native American and colonial sources, but the history is uncertain.
- Spiritually, it is a moon of release, preparing for winter, harvesting your intentions and gentle shadow work.
- A simple 15 minute ritual with a candle, a bowl of water and a pen is all you need.
What Is the Hunter’s Moon?
The Hunter’s Moon is the traditional name for the full moon that follows the Harvest Moon, usually in October. People often search for it as hunters moon, without the apostrophe. It is the same moon you see every month, wearing its autumn name.
In the old farming and hunting calendars, the fields were cleared and the leaves had fallen. Animals were easier to spot, and bright moonlight let hunters work later into the evening to put food by for winter.
When Is the Hunter’s Moon in 2026?
| Time zone | Peak of the full moon |
|---|---|
| Eastern (EDT) | Monday, Oct. 26, 12:11 a.m. |
| Central (CDT) | Sunday, Oct. 25, 11:11 p.m. |
| Mountain (MDT) | Sunday, Oct. 25, 10:11 p.m. |
| Pacific (PDT) | Sunday, Oct. 25, 9:11 p.m. |
| UTC | Monday, Oct. 26, 4:11 a.m. |
The moon looks full for about three nights, so Saturday through Monday evenings all work. Many skywatchers plan around Sunday’s moonrise. Sources differ by a minute or so. This guide follows the Old Farmer’s Almanac and Space.com.
Where Does the Name Come From?
Full moon names grew out of folklore, almanacs and oral tradition, not one official list. They are often credited to Native American peoples, and early American almanacs helped spread them. Historians note that the early sources are uneven, and some names may be colonial or European in origin. The English names Harvest Moon and Hunter’s Moon are recorded from the early 1700s.
So it is more honest to call them traditional than to assign them to one nation. Many Indigenous peoples have their own moon names, and these vary by place and community.
Hunter’s Moon vs. Harvest Moon
| Harvest Moon | Hunter’s Moon | |
|---|---|---|
| Rule | The full moon closest to the autumn equinox | The first full moon after the Harvest Moon |
| 2026 date | September 26 | October 26 |
| Traditional use | Bringing in crops by moonlight | Hunting and storing food for winter |
| Spiritual theme | Gratitude and gathering | Release and preparation |
In some years the Harvest Moon lands in October. Then September’s moon is the Corn Moon, and the Hunter’s Moon arrives in November.
Hunter’s Moon Spiritual Meaning
You do not need to believe the moon controls anything to use it well. A full moon is a clear, shared pause on the calendar, and autumn adds its own message. Four themes show up again and again.
- Release. Leaves fall without apology. What habit, story or obligation is ready to drop?
- Preparing for winter. Rest, warmth and simple routines become the practice.
- Harvesting your intentions. Look at what actually grew this year, even if it was small.
- Shadow work. Longer nights invite gentle honesty about what you have been avoiding.
If you like to see how lunar timing sits inside the wider sky, our guide to astrology is a good next stop. The Hunter’s Moon also arrives days before Samhain, when many traditions say the veil is thin.
A Simple Hunter’s Moon Ritual
This takes about 15 minutes. You need a candle, a bowl of water, a pen and paper.
- Arrive. Sit near a window or step outside where you can see the moon. Take three slow breaths, feet on the floor. Our meditation guide and grounding guide can help.
- Harvest. Write three things this year has grown in you.
- Release. Write what you are ready to set down, one line each, without judging it.
- Look at the shadow. Ask, “What have I been avoiding?” Write the first honest sentence and leave it unfixed.
- Close. Tear the release page and drop it in the water. Pour the water onto soil tomorrow. Keep the harvest list where you will see it.
Keep the candle safe and never leave it unattended. If hard feelings come up and feel heavy, reach out to someone you trust or a professional. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 any time.
All the Full Moons of 2026
| Date | Traditional name | U.S. Eastern time |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 3 | Wolf Moon | 5:03 a.m. |
| Feb. 1 | Snow Moon | 5:09 p.m. |
| Mar. 3 | Worm Moon | 6:38 a.m. |
| Apr. 1 | Pink Moon | 10:12 p.m. |
| May 1 | Flower Moon | 1:23 p.m. |
| May 31 | Blue Moon | 4:45 a.m. |
| Jun. 29 | Strawberry Moon | 7:56 p.m. |
| Jul. 29 | Buck Moon | 10:35 a.m. |
| Aug. 28 | Sturgeon Moon | 12:18 a.m. |
| Sep. 26 | Corn Moon (Harvest Moon) | 12:49 p.m. |
| Oct. 26 | Hunter’s Moon | 12:11 a.m. |
| Nov. 24 | Beaver Moon | 9:53 a.m. |
| Dec. 23 | Cold Moon | Check closer to the date |
Times come from the Old Farmer’s Almanac 2026 table. That page lists two different times for December, so confirm it a day ahead.
Go Deeper: Conversations on Cycles and Ritual
Sara Wiseman: Channeling Your Own Supernatural Abilities
Sara Wiseman talks about channeling and opening to your own intuitive and supernatural abilities, a natural companion to moon rituals and quiet reflection. Watch the full episode and read the show notes.
Heather Ensworth: Astrology, Karma and the Path Ahead
Psychologist turned astrologer Heather Ensworth explores the Yuga cycles and why she sees karma as a choice point. Watch the full episode and read the show notes.
Gregg Braden: Ancient Prophecies, Cycles and a New Earth
Gregg Braden on humanity’s ancient past, civilization moving in cycles, a purposeful reality and why inner awareness builds outer resilience. Watch the full episode and read the show notes.
Sources and Further Reading
- Full Hunter’s Moon, October 2026 (Old Farmer’s Almanac)
- 2026 full moon dates and times (Old Farmer’s Almanac)
- October full moon 2026 (Space.com)
- Full moon (Wikipedia)
- Harvest Moon (Wikipedia)
Spirituality for the Rest of Us™
Films, teachings and community on Next Level Soul TV.
Go Deeper with NLS Mastery: Your Soul’s Blueprint
Hunter’s Moon season asks what you are here to grow and what you are ready to let go. Karen Bell teaches it in Your Soul’s Blueprint, part of NLS Mastery. Watch the course preview below.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hunter’s Moon
When is the Hunter’s Moon in 2026?
It peaks at 12:11 a.m. Eastern on Monday, October 26, 2026. That is 11:11 p.m. Central on Sunday, October 25, and 4:11 a.m. UTC on October 26.
What is the Hunters Moon?
It is the traditional name for the full moon after the Harvest Moon, usually in October. It is linked to hunting and preparing for winter.
Why is it called the Hunter’s Moon?
In the old calendars, fields were bare and game was easy to see, and the bright moon helped hunters work later into the night.
What is the difference between the Harvest Moon and the Hunter’s Moon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. The Hunter’s Moon is the next full moon after it.
Is Hunter’s Moon a Native American name?
It is often attributed to Native American peoples, but historians say the early sources are uneven and some names may be colonial or European. Traditional is the safer word.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Hunter’s Moon?
It is commonly seen as a time to release what is finished, prepare for winter, review what you have harvested and look honestly at your shadow.
What should I do during the Hunter’s Moon?
Try a short ritual: write what grew, write what you are ready to release, and close with a quiet moment under the moon.
Is the Hunter’s Moon the same as a Blood Moon?
No. A Blood Moon is a total lunar eclipse, which is a separate event. The October 2026 full moon is not listed as an eclipse.
Why does the full moon look orange near the horizon?
Low on the horizon, moonlight passes through more of the atmosphere, which scatters blue light and can leave a warm, orange glow.
When is the next full moon after the Hunter’s Moon?
The Beaver Moon follows on November 24, 2026, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
