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UK moon calendar
Moon phases in April 2026
April 2026 has 4 principal moon phases, with the new moon on 17 April 2026 and the full Pink Moon on 2 April 2026. Below are exact UK times, a day-by-day table and the best nights for dark skies.
Moon phases in April 2026 (UK times)
Times are calculated with astronomy-engine and shown in UK clock time (GMT or BST). They are accurate to about a minute.
| Phase | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Full moon | 2 April 2026 | 03:12 BST |
| Last quarter | 10 April 2026 | 05:52 BST |
| New moon | 17 April 2026 | 12:52 BST |
| First quarter | 24 April 2026 | 03:32 BST |
The full moon in April 2026
The Pink Moon is full on 2 April 2026 at 03:12 BST, rising over London at about 20:30.
Read the story behind the name on our full moon names pages.
Best nights for dark skies
The darkest skies this month fall around the new moon, roughly 14 April to 20 April. That is the time for meteor watching, the Milky Way and faint galaxies. In folk practice the new moon is also the traditional time to set intentions.
Day-by-day moon calendar for April 2026
Phase and illumination at midday; moonrise and moonset for London (other UK places differ by up to about an hour; see your town in our local guides).
| Date | Phase | Lit | Moonrise | Moonset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Wed | Waxing gibbous | 100% | 19:14 | 06:11 |
| 2 Thu | Full moon | 100% | 20:30 | 06:22 |
| 3 Fri | Waning gibbous | 98% | 21:45 | 06:34 |
| 4 Sat | Waning gibbous | 94% | 23:00 | 06:48 |
| 5 Sun | Waning gibbous | 89% | 00:14 | 07:07 |
| 6 Mon | Waning gibbous | 82% | – | 07:32 |
| 7 Tue | Waning gibbous | 75% | 01:23 | 08:06 |
| 8 Wed | Waning gibbous | 66% | 02:22 | 08:53 |
| 9 Thu | Waning gibbous | 57% | 03:09 | 09:52 |
| 10 Fri | Last quarter | 47% | 03:44 | 11:02 |
| 11 Sat | Waning crescent | 38% | 04:10 | 12:18 |
| 12 Sun | Waning crescent | 28% | 04:29 | 13:36 |
| 13 Mon | Waning crescent | 19% | 04:44 | 14:55 |
| 14 Tue | Waning crescent | 11% | 04:57 | 16:16 |
| 15 Wed | Waning crescent | 5% | 05:09 | 17:38 |
| 16 Thu | Waning crescent | 1% | 05:22 | 19:04 |
| 17 Fri | New moon | 0% | 05:36 | 20:35 |
| 18 Sat | Waxing crescent | 2% | 05:54 | 22:08 |
| 19 Sun | Waxing crescent | 6% | 06:18 | 23:41 |
| 20 Mon | Waxing crescent | 13% | 06:54 | – |
| 21 Tue | Waxing crescent | 22% | 07:47 | 01:03 |
| 22 Wed | Waxing crescent | 32% | 08:57 | 02:07 |
| 23 Thu | Waxing crescent | 43% | 10:20 | 02:51 |
| 24 Fri | First quarter | 54% | 11:46 | 03:20 |
| 25 Sat | Waxing gibbous | 65% | 13:10 | 03:41 |
| 26 Sun | Waxing gibbous | 75% | 14:30 | 03:56 |
| 27 Mon | Waxing gibbous | 83% | 15:47 | 04:08 |
| 28 Tue | Waxing gibbous | 90% | 17:02 | 04:19 |
| 29 Wed | Waxing gibbous | 95% | 18:16 | 04:30 |
| 30 Thu | Waxing gibbous | 98% | 19:30 | 04:42 |
Closest and farthest moon
- Apogee (farthest): 7 April 2026, 404,960 km
- Perigee (closest): 19 April 2026, 361,618 km
Meteor showers
- Lyrids: peak around 22 April, about 18 an hour, sometimes with bright fireballs. The moon is 27% lit that night.
Using the moon this month
Many people keep a simple rhythm: write an intention at the new moon, check in at the first quarter, give thanks at the full moon and clear out at the last quarter. Our moon rituals guide has ideas.
Moon pieces from the shop
Questions answered
When is the full moon in April 2026?
2 April 2026 at 03:12 BST UK time. It is traditionally called the Pink Moon.
When is the new moon in April 2026?
17 April 2026 at 12:52 BST UK time.
What is the best night for stargazing in April 2026?
Around the new moon on 17 April, when the sky is darkest. Pick a clear night and get away from streetlights.
What does the last quarter moon on 10 April 2026 mean?
The last quarter moon on 10 April 2026 (05:52 BST) is half lit and shrinking, which tradition reads as a time to clear out, finish tasks and let go before the next new moon. A decluttering session or a smoke-cleansing of your space are popular ways to mark it.
What should I do on the new moon on 17 April 2026?
On the new moon on 17 April 2026 (12:52 BST), tradition suggests setting intentions: write down two or three things you want to grow this cycle and keep the note somewhere you'll see it. New moons are seen as a quiet, fresh start, good for planning rather than big action.
What does the first quarter moon on 24 April 2026 mean?
The first quarter moon on 24 April 2026 (03:32 BST) is half lit and growing, which tradition reads as a time to act on the intentions set at the new moon. It is a good night to review your list, take one practical step and notice what is resisting.
Key facts (summary)
- April 2026 has 4 principal moon phases, with the new moon on 17 April 2026 and the full Pink Moon on 2 April 2026.
- 2 April 2026 at 03:12 BST UK time.
- 17 April 2026 at 12:52 BST UK time.
- Around the new moon on 17 April, when the sky is darkest.
- The last quarter moon on 10 April 2026 (05:52 BST) is half lit and shrinking, which tradition reads as a time to clear out, finish tasks and let go before the next new moon.
- On the new moon on 17 April 2026 (12:52 BST), tradition suggests setting intentions: write down two or three things you want to grow this cycle and keep the note somewhere you'll see it.
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