On May 1, a rare Flower Moon will rise; the first full moon of two this month.

The May 2026 full moon, otherwise known as the lower Moon rises on May 1, greeting the world as spring takes hold of the northern hemisphere. Named in reference to the plentiful blooms that appear as the northern hemisphere slips into spring and are illuminated by the moon, this full moon will be 100% illuminated at 1:23 p.m. eastern time, and will be the first of two full moons this month (the second one being a Blue Moon.)&nbsp;

<h2 style="text-align: center;">May 2026 Full Moon: What Does the Flower Moon Mean?&nbsp;</h2>

The full moon will occur as the satellite reaches its most distant point from Earth in its monthly elliptical orbit, giving rise to a micromoon, making it appear much smaller than usual to the naked eye.&nbsp;
As the Flower Moon blooms over the southern hemisphere, you may see the moon adopt a distinctive yellow-orange hue, while the sunlight reflected on its surface is filtered through the densest part of Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere. Keep an eye out after sunset and you&rsquo;ll spot Spica and Arcturus, the third brightest star in the sky, shining above the glow of the full moon. On the western horizon, Venus will glow brightly as the sun sets and Jupiter will hang above it.&nbsp;
In the Gaelic tradition, May 1 represents a sort of turning point, a full moon as an invitation to let go of all that tension from the colder months. The moon, like spring, can represent a sort of new beginning. Not to mention, the weather is becoming more and more pleasurable, the season moves us to be outdoors with loved ones.&nbsp;
If you're an astrology fan, the moon is in Scorpio, serving as an emotional checkpoint. This full moon carries intense energy and urges reflection and transformation.&nbsp;
Through the night, the moon tracks a low, arcing path over the southern hemisphere, before finally setting in the southwest at dawn on May 2. This Flower Moon will set the stage for a rare lunar occurance as it is one of two full moons happening this month. The second one will be a Blue Moon which will rise on May 31.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The May full moon, also known as 'Flower Moon' is pictured next to a tree in Kuwait City on May 1, 2026. Getty Images,

Everything To Know About the May 2026 Full Moon

The Art Newspaper US Edition & L’Officiel USA subscription

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2026 - Kate Hudson Cover

Everything To Know About the May 2026 Full Moon

Tags

Related Articles

Fashion

What January's Wolf Moon Means for Every Zodiac Sign

Pop culture

How to Restore Your Energy During Tonight's Full Moon

Shopping

11 Astrology-Themed Gifts for Every Zodiac Sign

Recommended posts for you

Pop culture

Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun's Complete Relationship Timeline

Fashion

Sophie Bille Brahe Shares the Treasured Family Heirlooms That Represent Her Story

Film & TV

Dressing the Villain: The Most Iconic Fashion Moments in Cinema History

Pop culture

Everything To Know About the May 2026 Full Moon

Music

Olivia Rodrigo Announces A New Song From OR3

Fashion

Anok Yai Is Ready for Hollywood

Beauty

Think Pink: All the Best Cool-Toned Blushes To Shop This Season

Fashion

Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 Runway Skirts, Deconstructed