The September Full Moon will peak as the Harvest Moon on Saturday, September 26, 2026 in the US. The name does not simply come from the month. The Old Farmer’s Almanac defines the Harvest Moon as the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2026, the September Full Moon meets that definition.

The name comes from the way the Moon rises around the start of fall. Near the autumnal equinox, the Moon rises only about 25 to 30 minutes later on successive evenings in much of the northern United States. That gave farmers extra moonlight after sunset, allowing them more time to gather crops before nightfall.

The Full Moon reaches peak illumination at 12:49 p.m. EDT on September 26, or 4:49 p.m. UTC. Since that happens during daylight across much of the US, you will want to watch the Moon around sunset instead. The Moon will look full for several evenings around the peak.

The exact peak happens at different local clock times because of US time zones.

The 2026 autumnal equinox occurs on September 22 in the US. It marks the astronomical start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The Harvest Moon follows just four days later, making the September Full Moon the one closest to the equinox.

The Harvest Moon can fall in September or October, depending on which Full Moon comes closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2026, September gets the title. The Old Farmer’s Almanac also notes that the September Full Moon can carry the traditional name Corn Moon.

In astrology, a Full Moon represents a point of culmination and heightened awareness. Astrologers often use Full Moons to reflect on themes connected with the zodiac sign where the Moon appears.