The September full Moon will be visible in UK skies this weekend, arriving just days after the autumn equinox which occurred on Wednesday. Known as the Harvest Moon, it will reach its fullest point at 17:49 BST on Saturday, 26 September.
Although the moon will still be below the horizon for much of the UK at the time of peak illumination, it is expected to rise shortly afterwards. This means the moon should appear almost completely full throughout Saturday evening.
The celestial event derives its name from being the full Moon closest to the autumn equinox. Historically, the extra moonlight provided after sunset was beneficial to farmers gathering their crops. The Royal Observatory Greenwich also notes that it is sometimes referred to as the Corn Moon, another nod to the harvest season.
Observers should note that the Harvest Moon does not always occur in September. If the October full Moon falls closer to the equinox, it assumes the title instead. For instance, the 2025 Harvest Moon appeared on 7 October, while the 2021 event was captured rising over Falmouth.
When the moon is low on the horizon during its rise, its light must travel through more of the Earth’s atmosphere to reach observers. This process scatters shorter blue wavelengths, allowing yellows, oranges, and reds to dominate. Consequently, the moon may appear reddish, a phenomenon common to all low-hanging moons rather than a unique trait of the Harvest Moon.
Weather forecasts suggest Saturday could bring drier and brighter conditions, particularly across parts of England. However, cloud cover and rain are expected further west, affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland by evening. Southern and eastern areas currently offer the best prospects for clear viewing, while other regions may experience variable clouds and clearer spells.
Moonrise times will vary depending on location across the UK but are anticipated to occur shortly after the moon reaches its fullest point. Residents are encouraged to check the BBC Weather website or app for localized forecasts.
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