When Is the Full Moon in May 2025? The Flower Moon Calendar in the U.S

The full Moon continues to mark time, guide tides, and inspire awe. In May 2025, it brings both beauty and meaning to the night sky. Whether you're planning a stargazing trip or tracking lunar cycles for astrology or science, here’s everything to know about the upcoming full Moon.

Why Is It Called the “Flower Moon”?

The Flower Moon - Full Moon in May 2025

The name Flower Moon comes from Native American and European traditions that tied lunar cycles to seasonal changes. In the Northern Hemisphere, May is a peak month for blossoming flowers—fields, forests, and gardens all burst into color. The name reflects the natural rebirth and abundance seen during this time of year.

Other traditional names for the May full Moon include:

• Corn Planting Moon (associated with agricultural cycles)

• Milk Moon (used in medieval Europe, symbolizing fertility and dairy abundance)

Among all, Flower Moon remains the most widely recognized and is a poetic nod to nature’s vibrant renewal.

When Is the Full Moon/Flower Moon in May 2025?

The full Moon in May 2025 will occur on Monday, May 12 at 9:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). For observers in the U.S., the best time to view the Moon at its fullest will be the night of Sunday, May 11, when it appears nearly full and rises after sunset.

This full Moon is traditionally called the Flower Moon, named for the abundance of blooming flowers during May in the Northern Hemisphere.

Read more: Super Flower Moon: When, Where And How to Watch this May

Full Moon Calendar – May 2025 (U.S. Time Zones)

Although the Moon officially reaches peak fullness in the morning, it will appear full and bright in the sky the night before and after.

Full Moon Calendar – 2025 (U.S. Eastern Time)

Full Moon Calendar – 2025 (U.S. Eastern Time)

Best Places in the U.S. to See the Full Moon in May 2025

How to see the Flower Moon

Late spring offers excellent conditions in much of the U.S. for Moon viewing. Here are some of the best spots:

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina – Rolling hills, open skies, and warmer nights make this a scenic and peaceful viewing location.

Yosemite National Park, California – Moonlight over granite cliffs and waterfalls is unforgettable in May.

Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona – Reflective water and clear desert skies create a stunning lunar mirror effect.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts – East Coast coastal views and cool spring nights offer a calm Moonrise experience.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota – With minimal light pollution, this rugged landscape glows under a full Moon.

Expected Weather Conditions in May 2025

While long-range weather forecasts are never exact, May typically brings mild and relatively dry conditions across much of the U.S.:

West and Southwest (California, Arizona, Utah): Clear skies and warm evenings.

Midwest and Northeast: Variable weather, but many areas enjoy crisp, dry nights.

Southeast: Increasing humidity and a chance of spring thunderstorms.

Pacific Northwest: Possible lingering spring rain and cloud cover.

As always, check local forecasts a few days in advance to plan your Moon-watching night.

Scientific View: What Happens During a Full Moon?

A full Moon occurs when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun from Earth’s perspective, with its entire face illuminated. It rises at sunset and sets at sunrise, appearing large and bright throughout the night.

There’s no change in the Moon’s physical properties—what you see is the full reflection of sunlight off its surface. Optical illusions can make it look larger when it’s low on the horizon.

Astrological Meaning of the May 2025 Full Moon

This full Moon falls in the sign of Scorpio, a water sign associated with intensity, transformation, and emotional depth. Astrologers often interpret this lunation as a powerful time for release and inner work.

Common themes include:

• Letting go of emotional baggage

• Heightened intuition and deep introspection

• Possible tension in relationships or secrets coming to light

Because full Moons highlight oppositions (Sun in Taurus, Moon in Scorpio), this lunation may bring up conflicts between comfort and vulnerability.

Does the Full Moon Affect Us? Science and Myth

While full Moons don’t cause dramatic shifts in human behavior, they do influence:

Tides: The alignment of Earth, Moon, and Sun brings spring tides, with higher and lower extremes.

Sleep: Some research suggests people sleep slightly less during full Moons, although studies are mixed.

Wildlife: Nocturnal animals often alter behavior in response to increased light, and some marine species use lunar cues for reproduction.

Though there’s no proven link between full Moons and human mood swings, cultural traditions and anecdotal beliefs continue to reinforce the myth.

Final Thoughts

The Flower Moon of May 2025 will light up the sky on the night of May 11, offering a moment of connection to nature and time itself. Whether you're viewing it from a mountain trail, a beach, or your own backyard, take a few minutes to step outside and look up.

Nature rarely puts on a simpler or more consistent show. Don't miss it.

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