The full moon of February 2026, known as the “Snow Moon,” reaches its peak on Sunday, February 1st at 11:09 PM UTC. This winter spectacle traditionally marks the heart of the cold season in the Northern Hemisphere.
🌙 Date and characteristics of the 2026 Snow Moon
- To make sure you don’t miss anything, note these key details: Precise date and time: Sunday, February 1st, 2026 at 11:09 PM (UTC). In Paris time, this corresponds to Monday, February 2nd at 12:09 AM. Traditional name: “Snow Moon,” inherited from Native American and colonial traditions that evoked the thick blankets of snow in February.
- Earth distance: Approximately 368,421 kilometers – an average distance that makes it neither a supermoon nor a micromoon.
- Astrological Sign : It rises in
- Leo , bringing an energy focused on creativity, expression, and inner warmth. The following table summarizes the key lunar phases of February 2026:
Lunar Phase
| Date and Time (UTC) | Astrological Sign | Notable Event | 🌕 Full Moon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 1, 11:09 PM | Leo | Snow Moon | 🌗 Last Quarter |
| Feb. 9, 2:44 PM | Scorpio | – | 🌑 New Moon |
| Feb. 17, 12:03 PM | Aquarius | – | 🌓 First Quarter |
| Feb. 24, 4:27 PM | Taurus | – | ❄️ Why “Snow Moon”? |
Why Snow Moon
This poetic name originates from the traditions of the Algonquin peoples and other Indigenous peoples of North America, for whom February was generally the month of the heaviest and coldest snowfall. European settlers later adopted and popularized this name. Other cultures give it equally evocative names:
- “Hunger Moon” among the Lakota, referring to the difficulties of finding food during the cold season.
- “Wind Moon” or “Storm Moon” in some Celtic traditions.
- In the Chinese calendar, this full moon occurs during the Lunar New Year celebrations (the Year of the Fire Horse begins on February 17, 2026). 😴 The impact on your sleep: myth or reality?
As with the January full moon, you might experience sleep disturbances around February 1st. Science is beginning to document this intriguing phenomenon:
Circalunar rhythms: Studies, including one conducted by the University of Basel, suggest that humans possess an internal clock sensitive to lunar cycles, a legacy from our ancestors whose activities depended on nighttime light.
- Changes in deep sleep: Research shows a reduction of approximately 30% in deep sleep on the nights preceding the full moon, even when participants don’t see the moon. Practical tips: To sleep better on these nights, prioritize total darkness in your bedroom (blackout blinds), avoid screens before bedtime, and maintain a relaxing routine.February 2026 full moon, snow moon, ice (1)🔭 How to observe the Snow Moon?
- To make the most of this celestial spectacle: Look for a clear horizon to the east after sunset on February 1st.
- Use an astronomy app like Stellarium or SkyView to pinpoint the exact time of moonrise in your area.
For photographers:
use a tripod and a telephoto lens with a short exposure time to capture the details of the lunar surface.
- 📅 The February 2026 lunar cycle in perspective February 2026 has an interesting feature: with only 28 days, it will host just one full moon.
- Some months have two (Blue Moon), but not this year. The next full moon, the Worm Moon, will illuminate the sky on March 3rd, 2026.
- The Snow Moon of February 2026 is thus part of the natural cycles. It invites us to slow down, to observe the beauty of winter, and perhaps to feel that leonine energy that encourages expression and human warmth in the heart of winter. Do you take advantage of full moons for special observations or personal rituals?
- Each lunar phase offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with natural rhythms. List of full moons in 2026
full-moon-calendar-2026
