Don't Miss February's Dazzling Snow Moon — How to Watch and What to Know

If January’s Wolf Moon roared into the new year with an icy embrace, February’s Snow Moon dazzles like a diamond in the frost, casting its enchanting glow over a world wrapped in winter’s chill.

This year, the Snow Moon will reach peak brilliance on Feb. 12, 2025, at exactly 8:53 a.m. EST. While the full illumination is brief, its luminous presence will grace the sky on the nights of Feb. 11 and 12. For the best view, simply look east at sunset and watch as the moon ascends, a silver beacon against the dark sky.

Why Is It Called the Snow Moon?

The name Snow Moon is fitting, as February is often the snowiest month of the year, transforming landscapes into winter wonderlands. This is especially true in regions like the Ohio River Valley, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of Canada, where blankets of snow stretch as far as the eye can see.

But the Snow Moon is just one of many names given to February’s celestial marvel. Throughout history, various cultures have observed the moon’s cycles and assigned names that reflect the season’s harsh realities and hidden beauty. As noted in Farmers' Almanac, these names create a fascinating lunar tapestry.

A Moon of Many Names

Indigenous tribes across North America gave unique names to February’s full moon, each capturing the essence of deep winter. According to Farmers' Almanac, these names include:

• The Mahican people of the northeastern U.S. and Wisconsin dubbed it the “Deep Snow Moon,” emphasizing the thick layers of snowfall.
  The Oneida of the Great Lakes region called it the “Midwinter Moon,” marking the season’s halfway point.
• The Abenaki of Maine called it the “Makes Branches Fall in Pieces Moon,” a vivid reference to ice-laden tree limbs snapping under their own weight.
• The Lakota of the northern plains described it as “When Trees Crack Because of Cold Moon,” evoking the eerie sound of frozen wood splitting in the dead of winter.
• Further south, where February teases with hints of spring, different names emerged. The Comanche recognized it as the “Sleet Moon,” while the Arapaho of the Great Plains called it the “Frost Sparkling in the Sun Moon,” capturing the glistening beauty of a late-winter morning.

The Rare Black Moon and Leap Day Full Moon

February is a month of lunar oddities. Because the moon’s cycle lasts 29.5 days and February has only 28 days (29 in a leap year), there are times when no full moon appears at all. This rare occurrence, known as a Black Moon, last happened in 2018 and will return in 2037, according to Farmers' Almanac.

Even rarer is the Leap Day Full Moon, which occurs when a full moon coincides with Feb. 29. This phenomenon is so infrequent that it happens only four times in a millennium. The next one will occur in 2048, followed by sightings in 2132, 2216, and 2376.

A Moon Worth Watching

February’s full moon is more than a celestial marvel—it’s a testament to history, culture, and the natural rhythms that shape our world. Whether you call it the Snow Moon, the Deep Snow Moon, or the Hunger Moon, one thing is certain: it’s a sight to behold.

So, wrap up in a warm coat, step outside, and look to the sky. The Snow Moon will be waiting, casting its icy glow over the winter night, a timeless companion to those who pause to admire its splendor.