We’re not foolin’ – step outside on Wednesday, April 1, to witness April’s Full Pink Moon.
As The Old Farmer’s Almanac reports, this Paschal Moon marks the first Full Moon of spring and is used to determine the date of Easter. Below, read the story behind the “Pink Moon” and what makes this lunar event unique.
When to See the Full Moon in April 2026
Full Moon (Pink Moon): This year, the full moon arrives on April Fool’s Day, April 1, 2026, at 10:12 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
For the best view of this stunning spring Moon, head to an open area and watch as it rises above the horizon. At this moment, it will appear larger than usual due to the Moon illusion and take on a beautiful golden hue.
The Paschal Moon
Did you know that the Full Moon sets the date for Easter? April’s Full Moon has religious significance as well. In Christianity, it’s known as the Lenten Moon if it’s the last Full Moon of winter (before the spring equinox) or the Paschal Full Moon if it’s the first ecclesiastical Full Moon of spring (after the equinox).
This year, April’s ecclesiastical Full Moon occurs after the ecclesiastical spring equinox (always set on March 21, whereas the astronomical spring equinox is on March 20, 2026), making it the Paschal Moon. If you were wondering why Easter is being observed so early this year, as the first Full Moon of the Spring season, the Pink Moon determines the date of Easter.
Why Is It Called the Pink Moon?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac draws its Full Moon names from various sources, including Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions. Traditionally, these names refer not just to the Full Moon but to the entire lunar month in which it occurs.
While the name “Pink Moon” might suggest a rosy-colored Moon, the reality is a bit less magical. The name comes from the early spring bloom of a wildflower native to eastern North America: Phlox subulata, commonly known as creeping phlox or moss phlox. This flower, often called “moss pink,” was in full bloom around April’s Full Moon.
Thanks to this seasonal connection, the April Full Moon became known as the Pink Moon!
—
Photo Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.com