How to See This Year's Strawberry Moon

The 2026 Strawberry Moon is set to reach its peak at 7:56 p.m. ET on June 29. It's best to look for the Strawberry Moon around sunset and continue watching as it rises in the sky. At this time, the moon may appear against a colorful sky, and the sunset can sometimes give the moon a pinkish hue.

Why Is It Called a Strawberry Moon?

The Strawberry Moon is an anticipated astronomical event associated with the summer solstice and the harvest season.

The name "Strawberry Moon" does not mean the moon will actually appear pink. The Algonquin people, an Indigenous nation in North America, used the name to mark the peak of strawberry season, when berry harvests are at their most abundant.

For many Indigenous North American peoples, the Strawberry Moon is culturally significant as a time associated with love, abundance, and thankfulness for the harvest.

Across the globe, the Strawberry Moon has many different names. In Europe, it may be called the Mead Moon or the Rose Moon. The Mead Moon refers to the time of year when honey was harvested for mead, while the Rose Moon celebrates the peak of rose season.

In China, June's full moon is referred to as the Lotus Moon, when lotus flowers begin to blossom.

Other Indigenous North American names for the Strawberry Moon include the Green Corn Moon, Raspberry Moon, and Blackberry Moon. Each name reflects the time when important plants are ready to harvest. Many names for June's full moon are related to crops and vary by region.

What to Harvest During the Strawberry Moon

The Strawberry Moon can also serve as a seasonal guide for gardening. If you're growing strawberries, late June can be a good time to harvest them.

The Haida peoples of Canada call this moon the "Berries Ripen Moon," reflecting the season when wild berries and garden fruits begin to ripen. This can be a good time to harvest raspberries, blueberries, and cherries.

Late June is also a good time to harvest cucumbers and apricots from the garden.