Next full moon in April: quick answer
The next full moon in April 2025 occurs on Wednesday, April 23, at 11:48 UTC (subsequent full moon after March 25). In North American time zones, this is late Tuesday April 22 to early Wednesday April 23 depending on zone. This full moon is often called the Pink Moon, though the Moon does not actually appear pink. If you miss the exact moment, the Moon will appear nearly full on the surrounding evenings.
Understanding full moons: definitions and context
A full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun in ecliptic longitude, with Earth between the two. At full moon the entire Earth-facing side of the Moon is sunlit, making it appear fully illuminated from our vantage point. The precise moment of full moon is defined by the Moon’s ecliptic coordinates, not by how it looks, and is the same instant worldwide even if local times differ.
Full moon terminology
Common names for April’s full moon include Pink Moon, Egg Moon, and Sprouting Grass Moon. These traditional names come from Native American, Colonial American, and other cultural sources tracking seasonal changes. The names are markers of timing and natural events rather than literal descriptions of color or conditions.
April 2025 full moon details
In 2025, the full moons occur near the following dates and universal times. Specific local clock times vary by time zone.
| Full moon name | Date (UTC) | Approximate local time (example: Eastern Daylight Time) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Moon (April full moon) | Wednesday, April 23 at 11:48 UTC | Tuesday April 22, 7:48 PM EDT (UTC-4) | Highlights the April full moon with traditional name and seasonal context |
| Worm Moon (March full moon) | Saturday, March 22 at 18:00 UTC | Friday March 21, 2:00 PM EDT (UTC-4) | Reference point for the prior full moon |
Note: “Pink Moon” refers to moss pink (Phlox subulata) blooming in some regions, not to a pink-colored Moon. The next full moon after April 2025’s Pink Moon will be near May 22–23, 2025.
Visibility and viewing conditions
Visibility of a full moon depends on sunset and moonrise times for your location. A full moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise, providing moonlight throughout the night. Moonrise shifts about 50 minutes later each day relative to the Sun. Cloud cover, atmospheric clarity, and local horizon features affect what you see. In cities, light pollution can reduce contrast; in rural areas, the Moon appears brighter against darker skies.
Practical viewing tips
- Check your local moonrise and moonset times for the exact night.
- The Moon appears larger near the horizon due to the Moon illusion, though this is a perceptual effect, not physical size change.
- Minimal optical aid is needed; binoculars or a small telescope can reveal surface features if you want detail beyond the full phase.
April’s full moon names and origins
April’s full moon is commonly labeled Pink Moon, Egg Moon, and Sprouting Grass Moon in North American traditions. These names reflect ecological cues such as the blooming of phlox, spring egg-laying, and the start of the growing season. Other cultures may label April’s full moon with names tied to agricultural or religious events. The traditional names are useful mnemonics for the timing of seasonal changes.
Comparison of April full moon names by tradition
| Name | Origin or association | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pink Moon | Native American, phlox blooms | Not literally pink; refers to the moss pink flower |
| Egg Moon | Colonial American, egg-laying season | Symbolic, not a precise indicator of wildlife behavior |
| Sprouting Grass Moon | Some Indigenous traditions, grass growth | Tied to plant phenology and local climates |
These labels are broadly consistent across sources, but details can vary by region and community.
Moon phases overview in April 2025
Around the full moon, the Moon passes through waxing and waning phases. In April 2025, key phase dates (UTC, approximate local equivalents in parentheses) include:
- First quarter: ~April 16 (early afternoon)
- Full moon: April 23, 11:48 UTC (7:48 PM EDT)
- Last quarter: ~April 30 (morning)
The week before full moon is ideal for evening skywatching as the Moon climbs higher each night. After full moon, the Moon rises later each night, favoring early morning observation.
Skywatching and photography tips for the full moon
Photographing a full moon benefits from longer focal lengths to capture details of the lunar surface. Use a stable mount or tripod, and bracket exposures to handle the bright disk against darker surroundings. For casual viewing, simply stepping outside near moonrise offers a striking experience. Consider timing with lunar features such as prominent craters or maria for more engaging observations. Remember that the full moon washes out subtle contrasts, so surface details are less visible than at quarter phases.
Celestial coordinates and timing notes
The full moon on April 23, 2025, occurs at an ecliptic longitude where the opposition aligns closely with Earth’s center. Exact moonrise and moonset times vary by several tens of minutes depending on your latitude and longitude. Online moon calendars and astronomy apps can provide precise tables for your location. For planning, it’s reliable to treat the full moon as happening on the date shown in UTC and adjust for your time zone.
Because the Moon’s orbit is elliptical, a full moon near perigee (closest approach) appears slightly larger and brighter. In 2025, April’s full moon is not a supermoon; it occurs near average distance. Supermoon designations apply when full moon coincides with perigee within a few days, producing a noticeably larger apparent size.
Atmospheric and observational considerations
When the Moon is low on the horizon, you may notice coloration from dust or aerosols, especially near cities or after volcanic events. This is a true atmospheric effect, not an intrinsic change. High cirrus or thin haze can dim the Moon slightly and add a reddish or yellow cast. Such conditions are harmless to eye safety but worth noting if you’re planning photography or careful sketches.
Lunar libration and libration in longitude can cause slightly different edges or surface features to appear over the course of a month, but these are subtle effects. For practical purposes, the full moon appears consistently illuminated from one month to the next, aside from phase timing.
Using the full moon date for planning
Knowing when the next full moon in April helps with evening outings, photography sessions, and event scheduling. Remember that the traditional names, though evocative, are timing indicators tied to seasonal patterns rather than precise predictive rules. Pair date information with local moonrise and moonset tables for best results. When in doubt, consult up-to-date celestial sources for your specific location and time zone.