December’s Cold Moon is the last full moon of 2024. Here’s when it peaks and how it got its name.

Get ready for the last Full Moon of 2024: The Cold Moon.

December’s full moon will reach its peak light at 4:02 AM EST on Sunday, December 15th, but it will appear full for several days. The old farmer’s almanac detailed specifics moonrise times for various zip codes throughout the United States

Why is the full moon in December called the cold moon?

December’s full moon is called the cold moon Old farmer’s almanac. The name was chosen because of how cold it usually is during December’s full moon.

The moon also has several other nicknames, including the Long Night Moon, a name of Mohican origin, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The name is because December’s full moon occurs on one of the longest nights of the year.

Other names for December’s moon include the Drift Clearing Moon, Frost Exploding Trees Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon and Winter Maker Moon, according to the almanac.

How long will December’s moon be full?

While the moon reaches peak illumination early on December 15, it will appear full for several days. About 95% of the moon’s near side will be illuminated by the sun on Friday, December 13, according to NASA. On December 14th, 99% of the moon’s near side will be illuminated, with 100% illuminated on December 15th. On December 16, 98% of the moon will still be illuminated.

This month, NASA also suggests keeping an eye on Jupiter, which sits between the near-full moon and Aldebaran, the brightest star in the Taurus constellation, on December 14.

NASA says you don’t need binoculars or a telescope to enjoy the view of the cold moon. Local forecasts has detailed information on how clear the night sky will be at various locations where people will be watching the moon.

The first full moon in 2025 will be Monday, January 13. It is known as the Wolf Moon.