Wild strawberries foraged by Native Americans begin to ripen in June, which has inspired the name of the Strawberry Moon ever since. While the best known name for the June full moon is the Strawberry Moon, some Europeans know this as the Rose Moon, the Mead Moon, or the Honey moon.
When is the Strawberry Moon?
The Strawberry Moon is the full moon that occurs in June each year. This year's full Strawberry Moon will appear on 11 June 2025.
It's also the full moon that appears closest to the summer solstice.
Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?
The Stawberry Moon is so called because it takes place in June, which is when the Native American people harvested strawberries – and continue to do so today. These harvests were a key way of tracking time throughout the year.
Where is the best place to see the Strawberry Moon
The best place to see the Strawberry Moon – or any full moon, for that matter – is somewhere with clear, dark skies. Choose an area with low light pollution, preferably away from towns or cities.
The best time to see the Strawberry Moon is during moonrise, just after sunset. This is when the moon looks the largest and often adopts warmer colours when it's near the horizon.
- Find out more about the Snow Moon
- Find out more about the Hunter's Moon
- Find out more about the Beaver Moon
Is there a spiritual meaning?
The Strawberry Moon is often associated with abundance, change and ripening of the fruits of our labour.
More about the night sky
- How the Moon affects wildlife
- Moon names: your month by month guide
- Incredible natural phenomena to spot in autumn
- A beginner's guide to stargazing
Top image: A full moon rises behind St Michael's Mount in Marazion near Penzance in Cornwall, England (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
