If you’re a fan of gazing at the night sky, mark your calendar for the upcoming Snow Moon. So if you see Google recommendations for ‘Full Moon February 2025’, now you know what it’s about.
The full moon will peak on Wednesday, 12 February.
It’s called the Snow Moon in the Northern Hemisphere because of heavy winter snowfalls. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s an excellent excuse to enjoy the night sky.
Full Moon February 2025: Quick overview
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a stunning night sky, the February full moon is worth a look.
Grab a blanket, get a cup of something warm, and take a moment to enjoy the universe doing its thing.
Don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Cloudy skies can absolutely ruin an otherwise perfect view. So, fingers crossed that the weather is clear.
When to see the full Snow Moon
The Snow Moon will reach its peak illumination at 3:53 PM SAST on 12 February 2025.
But since that’s still daylight in most parts of the country, the best time to catch it will be later in the evening when the sky darkens.
Full Moon February 2025. DALL·E3 generated and edited by Cheryl Kahla for technation.news
Just look towards the eastern horizon around sunset as the full moon rises.
Nice to meet you, Mr Moon
Each full moon throughout the year has a unique name. In most cases, the names are associated with seasonal changes in the Northern Hemisphere.
For example, January’s full moon is known as the Wolf Moon, February’s is the Snow Moon, and March brings the Worm Moon, and so on.
These names have been around for centuries, reflecting how different cultures tracked time through natural events.
Why is February’s full moon called Snow Moon?
The name Snow Moon comes from Native American and European traditions, referring to the heavy snowfalls common in the Northern Hemisphere during February.
The Royal Museums Greenwich told The Washington Post:
“February’s typically cold, snowy weather in North America earned its full moon the name snow moon. Storm moon and hunger moon are other common names.”
Other names for February’s full moon
In some traditions, it’s also referred to as the Bone Moon by Cherokee people. Other names include Hunger Moon and Grandfather Moon.
My favourite full moon name is courtesy of the Wishram people who lived along the north bank of the Columbia River.
They called it ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder Around the Fire Moon’.
This name, like many traditional full moon names, reflects the cultural significance of the lunar cycle in marking seasons, community gatherings, and survival rituals.
John Walitsee, Tots-homi (aka Good Man), and Martin Speedis at a Wishram village on the north bank of the Columbia River. Circa 1900-1910. Image credit: Lee Moorhouse, 1850-1926. Currently part of the glass-plate digitised negative photographs in possession of the University of Oregon [2].
While we don’t get snow in most parts of South Africa this time of year, it’s still a beautiful lunar event worth watching.
Best tips for watching February’s Full Moon
First, you’d need to find a dark(ish) spot. Light pollution from streetlights can dull the moon’s glow. Those living outside major cities and towns will have the best viewing conditions.
So, if you can, head to an open area away from city lights.
And finally, no, you don’t need special equipment. Unlike stargazing, the full moon is best enjoyed with the naked eye.
But if you do have a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, it will give you an even better view. If you’re using a telescope, aim towards the Leo constellation.
The moon will appear between Regulus, Leo’s brightest star, and Denebola, the second-brightest.
Will the full moon affect us?
I responded to a reader’s question way back in 2021.
The moon’s gravitational pull does influence ocean tides, especially during perigean spring tides. This gravitational pull can cause higher-than-usual tides and occasional flooding.
But the moon’s impact on human behaviour is a different story altogether. Despite words like ‘lunacy’ and ‘lunatic’ having lunar origins, there’s no solid scientific evidence of the moon on human psychology.
The biggest effect it seems to have on us is inspiring awe when we look up and admire its glow.
When is the next full moon?
After February’s Snow Moon, the next full moon will light up the sky on 14 March, known as the Worm Moon.
All the full moons of 2025, including their popular names, whether they are a ‘supermoon’ or ‘micromoon’, a perigee or apogee full moon, and whether they are remarkable in some other way. NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio/Scott Sutherland [3]
This name comes from the appearance of earthworms in the soil as spring approaches in the Northern Hemisphere.
It was seen as a sign that the ground is thawing and nature is waking up.
Like the Snow Moon, the Worm Moon will be a great reason to head outside, look up, and appreciate the natural beauty above us.
References and credits
[1] Featured image: Dale Johnson on 500px
[2] [John Walitsee, Tots-homi, and Martin Spedees, Wishram Indians, in regalia], 1900-1910 c, Box: 203, item: PH036_5030. Lee Moorhouse photographs, PH 036. University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives.
[3] NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.
