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UK moon calendar
Moon phases in May 2027
May 2027 has 4 principal moon phases, with the new moon on 6 May 2027 and the full Flower Moon on 20 May 2027. Below are exact UK times, a day-by-day table and the best nights for dark skies.
Moon phases in May 2027 (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 |
|---|---|---|
| New moon | 6 May 2027 | 11:59 BST |
| First quarter | 13 May 2027 | 05:44 BST |
| Full moon | 20 May 2027 | 11:59 BST |
| Last quarter | 28 May 2027 | 14:58 BST |
The full moon in May 2027
The Flower Moon is full on 20 May 2027 at 11:59 BST, rising over London at about 21:42.
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 3 May to 9 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 2027
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 Sat | Waning crescent | 26% | 03:33 | 14:42 |
| 2 Sun | Waning crescent | 17% | 03:45 | 15:55 |
| 3 Mon | Waning crescent | 10% | 03:57 | 17:10 |
| 4 Tue | Waning crescent | 5% | 04:10 | 18:29 |
| 5 Wed | Waning crescent | 1% | 04:26 | 19:53 |
| 6 Thu | New moon | 0% | 04:47 | 21:19 |
| 7 Fri | Waxing crescent | 2% | 05:15 | 22:42 |
| 8 Sat | Waxing crescent | 6% | 05:56 | 23:56 |
| 9 Sun | Waxing crescent | 12% | 06:54 | 00:52 |
| 10 Mon | Waxing crescent | 21% | 08:09 | – |
| 11 Tue | Waxing crescent | 31% | 09:34 | 01:33 |
| 12 Wed | Waxing crescent | 42% | 11:02 | 02:01 |
| 13 Thu | First quarter | 54% | 12:28 | 02:22 |
| 14 Fri | Waxing gibbous | 65% | 13:51 | 02:38 |
| 15 Sat | Waxing gibbous | 75% | 15:12 | 02:52 |
| 16 Sun | Waxing gibbous | 84% | 16:31 | 03:05 |
| 17 Mon | Waxing gibbous | 91% | 17:51 | 03:19 |
| 18 Tue | Waxing gibbous | 96% | 19:10 | 03:35 |
| 19 Wed | Waxing gibbous | 99% | 20:28 | 03:55 |
| 20 Thu | Full moon | 100% | 21:42 | 04:20 |
| 21 Fri | Waning gibbous | 99% | 22:46 | 04:54 |
| 22 Sat | Waning gibbous | 96% | 23:38 | 05:39 |
| 23 Sun | Waning gibbous | 91% | 00:18 | 06:35 |
| 24 Mon | Waning gibbous | 85% | 00:46 | 07:41 |
| 25 Tue | Waning gibbous | 78% | – | 08:51 |
| 26 Wed | Waning gibbous | 69% | 01:08 | 10:03 |
| 27 Thu | Waning gibbous | 60% | 01:24 | 11:14 |
| 28 Fri | Last quarter | 51% | 01:38 | 12:25 |
| 29 Sat | Waning crescent | 41% | 01:50 | 13:36 |
| 30 Sun | Waning crescent | 32% | 02:02 | 14:49 |
| 31 Mon | Waning crescent | 22% | 02:15 | 16:05 |
Closest and farthest moon
- Perigee (closest): 9 May 2027, 366,621 km
- Apogee (farthest): 25 May 2027, 404,790 km
Meteor showers
- Eta Aquariids: peak around 6 May, low from the UK; best in the hour before dawn. The moon is 0% 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
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 May 2027?
20 May 2027 at 11:59 BST UK time. It is traditionally called the Flower Moon.
When is the new moon in May 2027?
6 May 2027 at 11:59 BST UK time.
What is the best night for stargazing in May 2027?
Around the new moon on 6 May, when the sky is darkest. Pick a clear night and get away from streetlights.
What should I do on the new moon on 6 May 2027?
On the new moon on 6 May 2027 (11:59 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 13 May 2027 mean?
The first quarter moon on 13 May 2027 (05:44 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.
What does the last quarter moon on 28 May 2027 mean?
The last quarter moon on 28 May 2027 (14:58 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.
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