The first full moon of spring, known as the Pink Moon, is set to illuminate the sky on April 1, 2026. At 10:12 p.m. ET, peak illumination will occur, offering a prime viewing opportunity for much of the United States, as the moon will rise around 8 p.m. local time. However, those on the West Coast will see the moon an hour later than peak illumination.
This full moon holds cultural significance as it determines the date of Easter for 2026, which falls on April 5. The Easter date is established as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, recognized as March 21. The observance of Easter varies annually, commonly described as a "movable feast," with possible dates ranging from March 22 to April 25.
While the Pink Moon lacks distinctive features like a supermoon or micromoon, it remains an important date for those observing Easter traditions. For those unable to view the full moon due to weather conditions, it will still appear mostly full in the days surrounding April 1, providing additional chances for viewing.