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UK moon calendar
Moon phases in May 2026
May 2026 has 5 principal moon phases, with the new moon on 16 May 2026 and the full Flower Moon on 1 May 2026. Below are exact UK times, a day-by-day table and the best nights for dark skies.
Moon phases in May 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 | 1 May 2026 | 18:23 BST |
| Last quarter | 9 May 2026 | 22:11 BST |
| New moon | 16 May 2026 | 21:01 BST |
| First quarter | 23 May 2026 | 12:11 BST |
| Full moon | 31 May 2026 | 09:45 BST |
The full moon in May 2026
The Flower Moon is full on 1 May 2026 at 18:23 BST, rising over London at about 20:45. The Blue Moon is full on 31 May 2026 at 09:45 BST, rising over London at about 22:04.
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 13 May to 19 May. 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 May 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 Fri | Full moon | 100% | 20:45 | 04:55 |
| 2 Sat | Waning gibbous | 99% | 21:59 | 05:12 |
| 3 Sun | Waning gibbous | 97% | 23:10 | 05:35 |
| 4 Mon | Waning gibbous | 93% | 00:12 | 06:06 |
| 5 Tue | Waning gibbous | 87% | – | 06:48 |
| 6 Wed | Waning gibbous | 81% | 01:04 | 07:43 |
| 7 Thu | Waning gibbous | 73% | 01:43 | 08:49 |
| 8 Fri | Waning gibbous | 64% | 02:11 | 10:01 |
| 9 Sat | Last quarter | 54% | 02:32 | 11:17 |
| 10 Sun | Waning crescent | 44% | 02:48 | 12:34 |
| 11 Mon | Waning crescent | 34% | 03:02 | 13:51 |
| 12 Tue | Waning crescent | 24% | 03:14 | 15:11 |
| 13 Wed | Waning crescent | 15% | 03:26 | 16:33 |
| 14 Thu | Waning crescent | 8% | 03:39 | 18:00 |
| 15 Fri | Waning crescent | 3% | 03:55 | 19:32 |
| 16 Sat | New moon | 0% | 04:17 | 21:07 |
| 17 Sun | Waxing crescent | 1% | 04:47 | 22:37 |
| 18 Mon | Waxing crescent | 4% | 05:33 | 23:52 |
| 19 Tue | Waxing crescent | 11% | 06:38 | 00:45 |
| 20 Wed | Waxing crescent | 19% | 08:00 | – |
| 21 Thu | Waxing crescent | 29% | 09:29 | 01:21 |
| 22 Fri | Waxing crescent | 40% | 10:56 | 01:45 |
| 23 Sat | First quarter | 50% | 12:19 | 02:02 |
| 24 Sun | Waxing gibbous | 61% | 13:37 | 02:16 |
| 25 Mon | Waxing gibbous | 71% | 14:52 | 02:27 |
| 26 Tue | Waxing gibbous | 79% | 16:06 | 02:38 |
| 27 Wed | Waxing gibbous | 87% | 17:20 | 02:50 |
| 28 Thu | Waxing gibbous | 93% | 18:34 | 03:03 |
| 29 Fri | Waxing gibbous | 97% | 19:48 | 03:19 |
| 30 Sat | Waxing gibbous | 99% | 20:59 | 03:39 |
| 31 Sun | Full moon | 100% | 22:04 | 04:08 |
Closest and farthest moon
- Apogee (farthest): 4 May 2026, 405,828 km
- Perigee (closest): 17 May 2026, 358,064 km
Meteor showers
- Eta Aquariids: peak around 6 May, low from the UK; best in the hour before dawn. The moon is 84% lit that night.
Festivals on the Wheel of the Year
See our Wheel of the Year guide for traditions and ideas.
- Beltane: 1 May
Using the moon this month
Moon gardeners traditionally sow leafy crops as the moon waxes and root crops as it wanes. It is folklore rather than science, but it gives the month a pleasant rhythm. See our moon gardening guide.
Moon pieces from the shop
Questions answered
When is the full moon in May 2026?
1 May 2026 at 18:23 BST UK time. It is traditionally called the Flower Moon.
When is the new moon in May 2026?
16 May 2026 at 21:01 BST UK time.
What is the best night for stargazing in May 2026?
Around the new moon on 16 May, when the sky is darkest. Pick a clear night and get away from streetlights.
What does the last quarter moon on 9 May 2026 mean?
The last quarter moon on 9 May 2026 (22:11 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 16 May 2026?
On the new moon on 16 May 2026 (21:01 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 23 May 2026 mean?
The first quarter moon on 23 May 2026 (12:11 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.
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