If you’ve ever glanced up on a clear Irish night and wondered when the next full moon will light up the sky, you’re not alone. The next full moon falls on 31 May 2026 — a rare Blue Moon, the second full moon in May — and it’s one of 13 full moons in 2026.

4 related posts

Next full moon: May 31, 2026 (Blue Moon) · Last full moon: May 1, 2026 · Full moons in 2026: 13 (including one Blue Moon) · Next new moon: May 16, 2026

Quick snapshot

1Next Full Moon Details
2Full Moon Calendar 2026
3Full Moon Names
4Effects on Behaviour

Seven full moons appear between January and May 2026, with the calendar showing precise UK/Ireland times from two authoritative sources.

Label Value
Next Full Moon May 31, 2026 (Royal Museums Greenwich)
Next Full Moon Name Blue Moon (second full moon in May) (Astronomy)
Full Moon Count in 2026 13 (Royal Museums Greenwich)
Blue Moon Occurrence Once every 2.5 years on average (BBC Sky at Night Magazine)

When Is the Next Full Moon?

The next full moon occurs on 31 May 2026 at 09:45 BST (UK time), according to the Royal Museums Greenwich (official UK timekeeper). This is a Blue Moon — the second full moon in a calendar month — and the sixth full moon of 2026 (BBC Sky at Night Magazine).

When is the next full moon in Ireland?

  • For Ireland, the next full moon is also 31 May 2026. Moonrise in Dublin that evening occurs at 21:19 local time (BBC Sky at Night Magazine).
  • The previous full moon was the Flower Moon on 1 May 2026 (Royal Museums Greenwich).
Bottom line: The next full moon is May 31, 2026 (Blue Moon). For Ireland, moonrise is around 9:19 PM local time. The previous one was May 1 (Flower Moon).

When is the next full moon in 2026?

The full 2026 calendar from Royal Museums Greenwich lists 13 full moons: 3 Jan, 1 Feb, 3 Mar, 2 Apr, 1 May, 31 May, 30 Jun, 29 Jul, 28 Aug, 26 Sep, 26 Oct, 24 Nov, 24 Dec. Astronomy agrees except for one-day shifts on some dates due to time-zone variation.

The catch

One-day differences between sources (e.g. April 1 vs. April 2) happen because the exact moment of full moon falls near midnight in different regions. Always check local time.

Bottom line: All 13 full moons are confirmed. Ireland and the UK share the same dates. Time-zone handling explains minor calendar discrepancies.

What Are the Names of Full Moons Throughout the Year?

Traditional full moon names, largely from Native American and colonial sources, are still widely used. Astronomy lists the March 2026 full moon as the Worm Moon, and notes a total lunar eclipse on that date. Royal Museums Greenwich also publishes the names alongside its calendar.

What full moon is in February?

  • The February full moon is the Snow Moon (Astronomy). In 2026 it falls on 1 February.

What full moon is in October?

  • The October full moon is the Hunter’s Moon (Royal Museums Greenwich). In 2026 it occurs on 26 October.
Bottom line: Each month has a traditional name, with February’s Snow Moon and October’s Hunter’s Moon as examples. All 2026 dates match these names.

Does a Full Moon Affect Behaviour?

The question is one of the most enduring lunar myths. Scientific reviews have found no conclusive evidence that full moons cause dramatic behavioural changes. Royal Museums Greenwich notes that every 29.5 days the moon appears full, but there is no robust link to crime, hospital admissions, or psychiatric episodes.

How does a full moon affect physical and mental well-being?

  • Some studies report slight changes in sleep quality, with people taking a few minutes longer to fall asleep (BBC Sky at Night Magazine reviews the evidence).
  • But larger meta-analyses show no consistent effect on mood or behaviour.

How does a full moon affect females?

  • The idea that menstrual cycles synchronise with the moon has been investigated multiple times. The evidence is inconclusive (Royal Museums Greenwich).
What to watch

If you believe you’re affected, the placebo effect is real. But science doesn’t support a causal lunar mechanism. Your best bet: check your sleep hygiene first.

Bottom line: Full moons may slightly affect sleep, but claims about crime, mental health spikes, or cycle synchronisation lack solid evidence. The moon’s pull is gravitational—not behavioural.

What Moon Is Tonight in Ireland?

If you’re in Ireland and want to know tonight’s moon phase, the most reliable real-time source is timeanddate.com (astronomical data provider). They provide the current phase, moonrise and moonset times, and illumination percentage for Dublin.

Is tonight a full moon in Ireland?

  • Check the date against the 2026 calendar. For example, on 31 May 2026, it is a full moon (Royal Museums Greenwich).
  • On any other night, the moon will be in a different phase.

When was the last full moon in Ireland?

  • The last full moon before 31 May 2026 was the Flower Moon on 1 May 2026 at 6:23 pm London time, which means after local moonrise in Ireland (BBC Sky at Night Magazine provides Dublin moonrise at 21:19).
Bottom line: Use timeanddate.com for live phases. For past full moons, the 1 May 2026 Flower Moon is the most recent.

What to Avoid During a Full Moon?

While science doesn’t support dramatic effects, cultural traditions and anecdotal advice suggest a few practical precautions.

What should you avoid during a full moon?

  • Making important decisions – many people report feeling more emotional or impulsive. Even if the moon isn’t the cause, it’s a good rule to sleep on big choices.
  • Outdoor activities if superstition worries you – some believe full moons attract more wildlife or accidents. No data supports this, but if it eases your mind, stay close to home.
  • Sleep disruptions – blue light from screens can interfere with sleep regardless of the moon phase. Reduce screen time an hour before bed (Royal Museums Greenwich suggests good sleep hygiene).
The upshot

Full moons are harmless astronomical events. The real risks come from believing they’re dangerous — that’s where stress and poor decisions happen.

Bottom line: Avoid big decisions and screen time before bed, not because the moon changes anything, but because those habits are wise anyway.

Timeline signal

Full Moon (Flower Moon)

6:23 PM UK time (Full moon event)

Full Moon (Blue Moon)

9:45 AM UK time (Blue moon details) — second full moon in May

Full Moon (Buck Moon)

10:35 AM ET (Lunar phase details)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

  • Whether full moons cause significant behavioural changes — studies show no consistent effect (Behavioural effects analysis)
  • Evidence for menstrual cycle synchronisation is inconclusive

Quotes from experts

“The next full moon is on 31 May 2026 at 9.45am in the UK.”

— Royal Museums Greenwich (official UK astronomical observatory)

“Full moons happen every 29.5 days, but there is no robust link to human behaviour.”

— Royal Museums Greenwich

Summary

The May 2026 Blue Moon gives sky-watchers in Ireland a rare second full moon in one month. For anyone who tracks lunar phases or simply enjoys the night sky, the 2026 calendar is packed: 13 full moons, a total lunar eclipse in March, and no shortage of names that connect us to centuries of tradition. For Irish readers, the takeaway is simple: check local moonrise times, ignore the behavioural myths, and enjoy the show. The next full moon is 31 May — mark your calendar, or you’ll wait another 29.5 days.

Additional sources

holidays-info.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is a blue moon?

A blue moon is the second full moon in a single calendar month. The term does not refer to the moon’s colour. (Royal Museums Greenwich)

How often does a blue moon occur?

About once every 2.5 years on average. (BBC Sky at Night Magazine)

What is a super moon?

A super moon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth (perigee). It appears slightly larger and brighter.

Does a full moon affect tides?

Yes, spring tides (higher high tides and lower low tides) occur around full and new moons due to the aligned gravitational pull of the sun and moon. (Royal Museums Greenwich)

How can I photograph the full moon?

Use a tripod, a telephoto lens, and a low ISO. The best results come when the moon is near the horizon (golden hour) and the air is clear.

Is there a full moon every month?

Nearly every month has one full moon; occasionally a month has two (blue moon) or none (rare).