# The Blue Moon

> The Blue Moon: where the name comes from, UK dates and times for 2026–2028, and simple ways to mark it.

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/full-moons/blue-moon
Updated: 2026-10-30

The Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calendar month (the popular modern meaning). An older almanac meaning is the third of four full moons in one season. Either way it happens only every two or three years, hence 'once in a blue moon'. The next one is on 31 December 2028 at 16:48 GMT UK time.

## Dates and UK times

Calculated with astronomy-engine. Moonrise is for London on the day of the full moon.

| Name | Date | Exact full moon | Moonrise (London) | Supermoon? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Blue Moon | 31 May 2026 | 09:45 BST | 22:04 | No |
| Blue Moon | 31 December 2028 | 16:48 GMT | 15:50 | No |

## Ways to mark it

- Step outside at moonrise and watch it clear the horizon, when it looks largest.
- Write down what has grown since the last new moon, and what you are ready to let go of.
- Set crystals on a windowsill overnight, the traditional way to cleanse them (bring in soft or water-sensitive stones if it is damp).
- Light a white or silver candle and sit quietly for ten minutes.

## Photographing the full moon

Shoot at moonrise, when there is still some light in the sky and the moon sits near buildings or trees for scale. On a phone, tap the moon and drag the exposure down until surface detail shows.

## Questions

**When is the next Blue Moon?**

31 December 2028 at 16:48 GMT UK time.

**Why is it called the Blue Moon?**

It is the second full moon in a calendar month (the popular modern meaning). An older almanac meaning is the third of four full moons in one season. Either way it happens only every two or three years, hence 'once in a blue moon'.

**What ritual can I do for the Blue Moon on 31 May 2026?**

For the Blue Moon on 31 May 2026 (exact full moon 09:45 BST), a simple ritual is to tidy a small space, light a candle, write down what you are ready to release and what you are grateful for, then rest your crystals in the moonlight overnight. Full moons are traditionally times of completion and letting go.

**What ritual can I do for the Blue Moon on 31 December 2028?**

For the Blue Moon on 31 December 2028 (exact full moon 16:48 GMT), a simple ritual is to tidy a small space, light a candle, write down what you are ready to release and what you are grateful for, then rest your crystals in the moonlight overnight. Full moons are traditionally times of completion and letting go.

**What crystals are best for the The Blue Moon?**

Moonstone, selenite and clear quartz are the classic full moon crystals, and they suit the The Blue Moon too. Many people also leave their whole collection out to charge overnight. Keep water-sensitive stones such as [selenite](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/crystals/selenite) indoors on a windowsill rather than outside in the dew.

## Related

- [All full moon names](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/full-moons)
- [Moon phase calendar](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/moon-calendar)
- [Full moon rituals guide](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/full-moon-names-and-rituals)

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