If you missed the peak of June’s full moon this morning, don’t worry—you’ll still get the best view tonight. And you might want to step outside for this one.
June’s full moon is known as the Strawberry Moon, named after the fruit harvest season in the northern hemisphere. No, it won’t turn pink. But what it will do is hang low on the horizon, glowing orange and looking massive.
And there’s a reason for that.
Why this moon looks so damn big
It’s not actually bigger. It’s lower than usual.
The 2025 Strawberry Moon is the lowest full moon in nearly 20 years, thanks to the moon’s current orbital cycle. When a full moon rises close to the horizon, it looks larger and warmer in colour.
That’s partly because of atmospheric scattering (light bouncing off thicker layers of air) and partly because your brain is a bit of a drama queen (hi, moon illusion).
The result? A full moon that looks straight-up cinematic.
When to see it in South Africa
Technically, the full moon peaked at 9:44am on 11 June in South Africa. But unless you’ve got x-ray vision and a telescope aimed at the daytime sky, that’s not much help.
Instead, the best time to watch it is tonight, Tuesday 11 June, just after sunset. Head out when the sky starts to dim and look toward the eastern horizon.
This moon is made for photographers.
Or romantics.
Or both.
What makes this one different
Every full moon gets a name. But this one isn’t just a vibe—it’s a scientific standout.
This year’s Strawberry Moon happens during a rare orbital phase called a major lunar standstill. It’s when the moon’s path across the sky hits its most extreme tilt.
The last time this happened? Around 2006. The next? 2043.
In plain English: the moon is taking the scenic route.
How to get the best view
- Go outside just after sunset: when the moon rises low and glows golden.
- Look for a clean horizon: rooftops, treelines, or even city skylines give contrast.
- Use your phone camera: even basic phones can grab decent shots. Zoom helps.
- Want drama? Try framing it behind a landmark or tree for that cinematic feel.
Strawberry full moon TL;DR
- What: June’s full Strawberry Moon
- When to watch: 11 June after sunset
- Why it looks huge: Moon illusion + atmospheric haze + rare lunar alignment
- Where to look: East, low on the horizon
- What you’ll see: A warm, golden-orange moon that looks way bigger than usual
No telescope. No filter. Just Earth, the moon, and you.
Go look up.
