December 2025 Supermoon: A spectacular sight in the night sky with the year’s last full moon will be a supermoon, shining brighter and appearing a little bit bigger than normal. Skywatchers, photographers, and the enthusiasts of night-sky spectacles will get a rare opportunity to pair the striking lunar event with a meteor shower.
What Is the December Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, called perigee. This alignment causes the Moon to seem larger and brighter than it would be during an ordinary full moon. December’s event is the last in a series of three 2025 supermoons, beginning with October and November.
When Is the December 2025 Full Moon?
The December full moon will peak on 4 December 2025 at 23:14 UTC, with local variations across the globe:
- North America: 6:14 p.m. EST, 5:14 p.m. CST & 3:14 p.m. PST
- UK & Europe: 11:14 p.m. GMT
- Asia & Oceania: Early hours of 5 December
In India, much of Southeast Asia, China and Australia, the Moon is full in the early hours of Friday 5 December, which is why some calendars list the full moon on 5 December for those regions. The Moon will seem full for at least a day on either side of this time.
Why December’s Cold Moon Is a Big Deal
This full moon is notable not just because it is a supermoon, but because it’s described by many astronomers as the final extreme full moon until the 2040s. It arrives very close to lunar perigee, giving it an extra visual punch compared with a typical end of year full moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year.
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What Is the Cold Moon?
Cold Moon is known as Long Nights Moon, Moon Before Yule, Frost Moon and names rooted in seasonal and cultural traditions. This full moon is notable not just because it is a supermoon, but because it’s described by many astronomers as the final extreme full moon until the 2040s. It arrives very close to lunar perigee, giving it an extra visual punch compared with a typical end-of-year full moon.
How to watch the December 2025 Full Moon
- Moonrise is approximately at local sunset; highest around local midnight
- Best viewing at clear eastern horizon, relatively very dark skies
- Dress warmly if in northern latitudes and frame the Moon against buildings or natural features for dramatic effect
- Choose an open spot with minimal light pollution a park, hilltop, beach or rural area
Supermoon Science: How Much Bigger and Brighter Will It Be?
- Elliptical Moon orbit causes variations in distance of ~50,000 km per month
- Close approach makes it 14% larger and 30% brighter than the smallest full moon
- Crisp brightness is more noticeable in dark winter skies.
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Tied to a Rare Lunar Cycle: The Major Lunar Standstill
The event falls within the tail end of a major lunar standstill, an 18.6-year cycle that exaggerates the Moon’s rising and setting positions. Skywatchers may notice the Moon climb higher or lower than usual, adding a unique twist to the December display.
- Happens in 18.6 years; involves Moon’s rising and setting extremes.
- 2024–2025 period amplifies northern and southern horizon extremes
- December 2025 moon may appear unusually high or low, especially at high latitudes
How to Photograph the December 2025 Cold Moon Supermoon
- Turn off the flash; Moon provides light itself
- Tap to focus on Moon and reduce exposure
- Use tripod or stable surface with a 3–10 second timer
- Capture at moonrise or moonset with foreground objects for depth
- Use low ISO and fast shutter for smartphone “pro mode” photography
December 2025 Night Sky Upcoming: Geminid Meteor Shower
- Geminids Peaks on 13–14 December
- Moon will be in waning crescent, 30–40% illuminated
- Dark skies ideal for observing 100–150 meteors per hour
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general sky-watching purposes and does not replace local weather or astronomical forecasts.
