Pink Moon 2026: When to See April's Full Moon

The pink full moon will peak in the night sky on Wednesday, April 1 at 9:12 p.m. CDT.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:53pm

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The pink full moon, one of the most anticipated full moons of the year, is set to peak in the night sky on Wednesday, April 1 at 9:12 p.m. CDT. While the moon won't actually appear pink, the name 'pink moon' comes from the early springtime bloom of a pink wildflower known as 'creeping phlox' or 'moss pink'.

Why it matters

The pink moon is a highly anticipated celestial event that marks the arrival of spring. Observing the full moon is a popular pastime for many, and the pink moon is often seen as a symbolic harbinger of warmer weather and new growth.

The details

The pink full moon will reach its peak illumination at 9:12 p.m. CDT on April 1. While the moon won't actually appear pink, the name refers to the early springtime bloom of a pink wildflower known as 'creeping phlox' or 'moss pink'. A full moon occurs when the moon is positioned opposite the sun, with Earth directly in the middle, causing the entire near side of the moon to be illuminated.

  • The pink full moon will peak at 9:12 p.m. CDT on April 1, 2026.
  • The next full moon, known as the 'flower moon', will arrive on May 1, 2026.

The players

Phlox subulata

Also known as 'creeping phlox' or 'moss pink', this is a pink wildflower that often blooms around the time of the April full moon, giving the moon its 'pink' name.

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The takeaway

The pink moon is a highly anticipated celestial event that marks the arrival of spring. While the moon won't actually appear pink, the name is a nod to the early springtime bloom of a pink wildflower that often coincides with the April full moon.