Free UK deliveryHome / Moon calendar / 2026 / December
UK moon calendar
Moon phases in December 2026
December 2026 has 5 principal moon phases, with the new moon on 9 December 2026 and the full Cold Moon on 24 December 2026. Below are exact UK times, a day-by-day table and the best nights for dark skies.
Moon phases in December 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Last quarter | 1 December 2026 | 06:09 GMT |
| New moon | 9 December 2026 | 00:52 GMT |
| First quarter | 17 December 2026 | 05:43 GMT |
| Full moon | 24 December 2026 | 01:28 GMT |
| Last quarter | 30 December 2026 | 19:00 GMT |
The full moon in December 2026
The Cold Moon is full on 24 December 2026 at 01:28 GMT, rising over London at about 16:07. It is close to perigee (356,729 km), so many will call it a supermoon.
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 6 December to 12 December. 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 December 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 Tue | Last quarter | 47% | – | 12:38 |
| 2 Wed | Waning crescent | 37% | 00:23 | 12:50 |
| 3 Thu | Waning crescent | 27% | 01:40 | 13:03 |
| 4 Fri | Waning crescent | 19% | 02:56 | 13:16 |
| 5 Sat | Waning crescent | 12% | 04:12 | 13:31 |
| 6 Sun | Waning crescent | 6% | 05:28 | 13:50 |
| 7 Mon | Waning crescent | 2% | 06:42 | 14:15 |
| 8 Tue | New moon | 0% | 07:51 | 14:50 |
| 9 Wed | New moon | 0% | 08:52 | 15:35 |
| 10 Thu | Waxing crescent | 2% | 09:40 | 16:33 |
| 11 Fri | Waxing crescent | 5% | 10:16 | 17:39 |
| 12 Sat | Waxing crescent | 10% | 10:43 | 18:50 |
| 13 Sun | Waxing crescent | 17% | 11:03 | 20:02 |
| 14 Mon | Waxing crescent | 24% | 11:19 | 21:15 |
| 15 Tue | Waxing crescent | 33% | 11:32 | 22:27 |
| 16 Wed | Waxing crescent | 43% | 11:43 | 23:40 |
| 17 Thu | First quarter | 53% | 11:55 | – |
| 18 Fri | Waxing gibbous | 63% | 12:07 | 00:55 |
| 19 Sat | Waxing gibbous | 73% | 12:22 | 02:14 |
| 20 Sun | Waxing gibbous | 82% | 12:41 | 03:38 |
| 21 Mon | Waxing gibbous | 90% | 13:08 | 05:07 |
| 22 Tue | Waxing gibbous | 96% | 13:49 | 06:35 |
| 23 Wed | Waxing gibbous | 99% | 14:48 | 07:55 |
| 24 Thu | Waning gibbous | 100% | 16:07 | 08:56 |
| 25 Fri | Waning gibbous | 97% | 17:39 | 09:39 |
| 26 Sat | Waning gibbous | 91% | 19:13 | 10:07 |
| 27 Sun | Waning gibbous | 83% | 20:42 | 10:28 |
| 28 Mon | Waning gibbous | 74% | 22:07 | 10:44 |
| 29 Tue | Waning gibbous | 64% | 23:27 | 10:57 |
| 30 Wed | Last quarter | 53% | – | 11:09 |
| 31 Thu | Waning crescent | 43% | 00:45 | 11:22 |
Closest and farthest moon
- Apogee (farthest): 11 December 2026, 406,407 km
- Perigee (closest): 24 December 2026, 356,641 km
Meteor showers
- Geminids: peak around 14 December, up to about 150 an hour, the year's richest. The moon is 21% lit that night.
Festivals on the Wheel of the Year
See our Wheel of the Year guide for traditions and ideas.
- Yule, the winter solstice: 21 December 2026, 20:50 GMT
Using the moon this month
If you like to cleanse crystals by moonlight, the nights either side of the full moon give the most light. Bring soft and water-sensitive stones indoors if dew or rain is likely. See our crystal care guide.
Moon pieces from the shop
Questions answered
When is the full moon in December 2026?
24 December 2026 at 01:28 GMT UK time. It is traditionally called the Cold Moon.
When is the new moon in December 2026?
9 December 2026 at 00:52 GMT UK time.
What is the best night for stargazing in December 2026?
Around the new moon on 9 December, when the sky is darkest. Pick a clear night and get away from streetlights.
What does the last quarter moon on 1 December 2026 mean?
The last quarter moon on 1 December 2026 (06:09 GMT) 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 9 December 2026?
On the new moon on 9 December 2026 (00:52 GMT), 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 17 December 2026 mean?
The first quarter moon on 17 December 2026 (05:43 GMT) 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.
What does the last quarter moon on 30 December 2026 mean?
The last quarter moon on 30 December 2026 (19:00 GMT) 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.
Ask Starseed
Try: