Cold Moon 2025: Everything You Need to Know About December’s Full Moon
The final full moon of the year, popularly known as the Cold Moon, lit up the night sky on 4 December 2025, offering stargazers a bright and crystal-clear lunar display. The Cold Moon is one of the most anticipated celestial events of December, symbolizing the arrival of long, cold nights in the Northern Hemisphere. Here’s everything you need to know about this beautiful full moon and why it is special.
NEWS
12/4/20251 min read
❄️ What Is the Cold Moon?
The December full moon is called the Cold Moon because it appears during the beginning of winter’s coldest phase. Traditionally named by Native American tribes and adopted in modern astronomy, the Cold Moon is associated with:
Longer nights
Drop in temperature
Winter’s arrival
Seasonal changes
Other cultural names include Long Night Moon, Frost Moon, and Moon Before Yule.
🌕 When Did the Cold Moon Appear?
The latest Cold Moon reached its peak brightness on:
📅 4 December 2025
⏰ Around 10:00 PM IST (varies by region)
This appearance was especially striking because clear skies across many parts of the world allowed perfect viewing conditions.
🌟 Why Was the 2025 Cold Moon Special?
The 2025 Cold Moon was notable for being slightly larger and brighter than a regular full moon due to its proximity to Earth during this period. This phenomenon created a mild supermoon effect, making the lunar disc appear more radiant and visually impressive.
Highlights:
Extra-bright moonlight
Bigger-looking moon during moonrise
Stunning visibility for photography
Enhanced night landscape lighting
Skywatchers, photographers, and astronomy lovers enjoyed one of the most beautiful moonrises of the year.
🌌 Best Way to View the Cold Moon
Even though the peak has passed, the moon continues to appear large and bright for 1–2 days before and after the full moon. The best time to view:
During moonrise (just after sunset)
From an area with less light pollution
With a clear horizon for full visibility
A simple smartphone camera can capture stunning images thanks to the brightness of this moon.
📅 When Is the Next Cold Moon?
The next Cold Moon is expected to appear on:
➡️ 23 December 2026
It will again mark the year’s final full moon.
🔭 Why the Cold Moon Matters
The Cold Moon not only signifies seasonal change but also holds cultural, spiritual, and scientific significance. It is a natural reminder of winter’s arrival and has historically been used for:
Tracking agricultural cycles
Predicting seasonal weather
Cultural celebrations
Observing lunar cycles
The Cold Moon is one of the rare celestial events where everyone around the world can enjoy the same view at the same time.