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December full moon date December 4, 2025: Cold Moon supermoon details, viewing tips, cultural origins, and astronomical facts.
The December full moon, affectionately known as the Cold Moon, is set to illuminate the night sky on December 4, 2025, offering skywatchers a stunning finale to the year’s supermoons. This celestial event, the last supermoon of 2025 and the third of the year, reaches peak illumination at 6:15 p.m. EST, when the moon orbits just 221,965 miles from Earth—close enough to appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the Cold Moon’s glow promises a magical backdrop for holiday stargazing, evoking ancient traditions of resilience against the chill.
For astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike, the December full moon date marks a perfect opportunity to connect with the cosmos amid the festive season. Named by Native American tribes like the Mohawk for the month’s biting cold, it also carries the Mohican title of Long Night Moon, symbolizing the year’s darkest days. With clear skies forecasted in many regions, this supermoon isn’t just a sight—it’s a reminder of our planet’s rhythmic dance with its nearest neighbor. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, viewing tips, and fascinating details to enhance your experience.
December Full Moon Date: Exact Timing and Visibility
The official December full moon date is December 4, 2025, with peak fullness occurring at 6:15 p.m. EST (11:15 p.m. UTC for global viewers). Due to the moon’s gradual waxing and waning, it will appear full from sunset on Wednesday, December 3, through sunrise on Friday, December 5—giving ample viewing windows if clouds cooperate. In the Southern Hemisphere, expect a summer spectacle, while northern observers enjoy it against crisp winter backdrops.
Visibility peaks at moonrise, when the moon illusion makes it seem enormous against the horizon—up to 30% brighter than at zenith. NASA’s explanation underscores the science: “Different publications use slightly different thresholds for deciding when a full moon is close enough to the Earth to qualify as a supermoon,” but this one meets the criteria with its perigee proximity.
For precise local times, use apps like Stellarium or The Old Farmer’s Almanac, adjusting for your timezone. In major U.S. cities, moonrise on December 4 hits around 4:30 p.m. PT in Los Angeles and 5:45 p.m. ET in New York.
Why It’s Called the Cold Moon: Origins and Cultural Significance
The Cold Moon moniker hails from Native American traditions, specifically the Mohawk tribe, who named it for the harsh winter frosts signaling the hunt’s end and lean times ahead. The Mohicans dubbed it the Long Night Moon, reflecting December’s shortest days and longest shadows in the Northern Hemisphere. These names, passed down through oral histories, highlight humanity’s ancient attunement to lunar cycles for survival and storytelling.
Modern astronomy ties it to the 13th full moon of the Gregorian calendar year, often a “blue moon” variant if two occur in one month—though 2025’s December stands alone. Culturally, it inspires winter solstice rituals worldwide, from Yule logs in Europe to Hanukkah lights, symbolizing light’s return amid darkness.
As of December 1, 2025, social media buzz under #ColdMoon2025 celebrates its poetic timing, with photographers capturing it framed by bare trees or holiday lights for Instagram-worthy shots.
How to Watch the December Full Moon: Best Tips and Tools
Viewing the December full moon is straightforward—no telescope required—but a few strategies elevate the experience. Head outdoors at moonrise (check timeanddate.com for your location) when it’s low on the horizon, using foreground elements like mountains or buildings for that dramatic size illusion. Urban light pollution dims the show, so rural spots or parks offer clearer skies.
Enhance with binoculars or a smartphone app like SkySafari for moon phase tracking and constellation overlays. For photography, use a tripod and long exposure (1/60 second at f/5.6) to capture craters like Tycho without blur—pair it with the Geminid meteor shower peaking December 13-14 for a bonus display.
Safety first: Avoid driving distracted by the moon, and bundle up against the cold—temperatures could dip below freezing in northern regions. Families can turn it into a tradition: picnic under the glow or share stories of past full moons.
Astronomical Details: Supermoon Science and 2025 Context
This December full moon qualifies as a supermoon because the moon reaches perigee—its closest Earth approach—at 221,965 miles, within the 226,000-mile threshold set by astronomers. Supermoon’s elliptical orbit causes the variance; at apogee, it’s 14% smaller and less luminous.
In 2025, it’s the third of four supermoons (January, March, and September preceded it), part of a “supermoon season” influenced by orbital alignments. NASA notes full moons occur every 29.5 days, but supermoons like this amplify tides by 20% and subtly affect animal behaviors, from wolf howls to coral spawning.
Fun fact: The Cold Moon aligns with Ursid meteor showers (peaking December 21-22), offering up to 10 shooting stars per hour—ideal for wishing on the year’s brightest beacon.
Conclusion: Embrace the Cold Moon’s Glow
The December full moon date of December 4, 2025, invites us to pause amid holiday hustle, gazing upward at nature’s luminous gift. Whether called Cold Moon or Long Night, its supermoon brilliance—14% larger, 30% brighter—reminds us of cycles, resilience, and wonder in the winter dark.
Step outside, breathe deep, and let it recharge your spirit—2026’s three supermoons await.
Planning a moon-viewing party? Favorite full moon memory? Share below!