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UK moon calendar
Moon phases in October 2026
October 2026 has 4 principal moon phases, with the new moon on 10 October 2026 and the full Hunter's Moon on 26 October 2026. Below are exact UK times, a day-by-day table and the best nights for dark skies.
Moon phases in October 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 | 3 October 2026 | 14:25 BST |
| New moon | 10 October 2026 | 16:50 BST |
| First quarter | 18 October 2026 | 17:13 BST |
| Full moon | 26 October 2026 | 04:12 GMT |
The full moon in October 2026
The Hunter's Moon is full on 26 October 2026 at 04:12 GMT, rising over London at about 16:20.
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 7 October to 13 October. 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 October 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 Thu | Waning gibbous | 73% | 20:30 | 13:34 |
| 2 Fri | Waning gibbous | 62% | 21:30 | 14:45 |
| 3 Sat | Last quarter | 51% | 22:47 | 15:37 |
| 4 Sun | Waning crescent | 39% | 00:12 | 16:13 |
| 5 Mon | Waning crescent | 29% | – | 16:38 |
| 6 Tue | Waning crescent | 19% | 01:40 | 16:56 |
| 7 Wed | Waning crescent | 11% | 03:05 | 17:11 |
| 8 Thu | Waning crescent | 5% | 04:27 | 17:23 |
| 9 Fri | Waning crescent | 2% | 05:46 | 17:35 |
| 10 Sat | New moon | 0% | 07:05 | 17:48 |
| 11 Sun | Waxing crescent | 1% | 08:23 | 18:02 |
| 12 Mon | Waxing crescent | 4% | 09:41 | 18:20 |
| 13 Tue | Waxing crescent | 8% | 10:58 | 18:42 |
| 14 Wed | Waxing crescent | 14% | 12:10 | 19:13 |
| 15 Thu | Waxing crescent | 22% | 13:14 | 19:55 |
| 16 Fri | Waxing crescent | 30% | 14:07 | 20:49 |
| 17 Sat | Waxing crescent | 39% | 14:47 | 21:53 |
| 18 Sun | First quarter | 48% | 15:16 | 23:04 |
| 19 Mon | Waxing gibbous | 58% | 15:38 | 00:18 |
| 20 Tue | Waxing gibbous | 67% | 15:55 | – |
| 21 Wed | Waxing gibbous | 76% | 16:09 | 01:33 |
| 22 Thu | Waxing gibbous | 84% | 16:21 | 02:49 |
| 23 Fri | Waxing gibbous | 91% | 16:33 | 04:06 |
| 24 Sat | Waxing gibbous | 96% | 16:46 | 05:25 |
| 25 Sun | Waxing gibbous | 99% | 16:01 | 05:49 |
| 26 Mon | Full moon | 100% | 16:20 | 07:16 |
| 27 Tue | Waning gibbous | 97% | 16:47 | 08:46 |
| 28 Wed | Waning gibbous | 92% | 17:26 | 10:15 |
| 29 Thu | Waning gibbous | 85% | 18:22 | 11:33 |
| 30 Fri | Waning gibbous | 76% | 19:36 | 12:33 |
| 31 Sat | Waning gibbous | 65% | 21:00 | 13:14 |
Closest and farthest moon
- Perigee (closest): 1 October 2026, 369,324 km
- Apogee (farthest): 16 October 2026, 404,632 km
- Perigee (closest): 28 October 2026, 364,397 km
Meteor showers
- Orionids: peak around 21 October, about 20 an hour, from Halley's Comet. The moon is 72% lit that night.
Festivals on the Wheel of the Year
See our Wheel of the Year guide for traditions and ideas.
- Samhain: 31 October
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 October 2026?
26 October 2026 at 04:12 GMT UK time. It is traditionally called the Hunter's Moon.
When is the new moon in October 2026?
10 October 2026 at 16:50 BST UK time.
What is the best night for stargazing in October 2026?
Around the new moon on 10 October, when the sky is darkest. Pick a clear night and get away from streetlights.
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