- A Pink Moon will rise on Wednesday, April 1.
- The celestial event is associated with spring and seasonal renewal.
- Peak illumination will occur at 10:12 p.m. (EDT), varying by time zone.
Before you call it a night on Wednesday, April 1, take a moment to look up—the Pink Moon will be lighting up the sky. This beautifully named celestial event carries seasonal significance, and we’ve got everything you need to know about when and how to see it.
What is a pink moon?
The Pink Moon is the traditional name for April’s full moon, following a long-standing custom of assigning each full moon a seasonal name. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name has roots in Native American, Colonial American, and European traditions. It’s inspired by Phlox subulata—also known as moss pink—a vibrant early spring flower that blooms around the same time.
Despite what the name suggests, the moon itself doesn’t actually turn pink. Instead, the term reflects other meanings.
What does a pink moon mean?
While the Pink Moon isn’t pink in appearance, it carries symbolic meaning. Sometimes known as the Paschal Moon, it marks the beginning of spring, as it’s the first full moon after the spring equinox. This moon also determines the date of Easter, as the holiday falls on the first Sunday after the celestial event.
More broadly, the Pink Moon is associated with themes of renewal, rebirth, and transition—echoing the arrival of spring and encouraging a reconnection with the natural world.
When to see the pink moon
The Pink Moon will appear on April 1, 2026, reaching peak illumination at 10:12 p.m. EDT. As it rises, it may seem larger than usual due to the “moon illusion,” a visual effect that occurs when the moon is low on the horizon.
The best time to view the Pink Moon will vary depending on your location, time zone, and local weather conditions. Use the breakdown below to plan your viewing.
Peak Full Moon Viewing Per Time Zone:
- Eastern Time (EDT): 10:12 p.m.
- Central Daylight Time (CDT): 9:12 p.m.
- Mountain Daylight Time (MDT): 8:12 p.m.
- Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 7:12 p.m.
- Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT): 6:12 p.m.
- Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HDT): 5:12 p.m.
- Hawaiian Standard Time (HST): 4:12 p.m.
Kate (she/her) is the associate editor of The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She writes features, commerce, and travel content. Kate brings nearly five years of home, food, and lifestyle experience to the role, including time as editorial assistant at Good Housekeeping. Her bylines have appeared in Woman’s Day, Food Network Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Dream Kitchens & Baths, and more. When she’s not writing, Kate can be found lazing in the park with a sudoku in hand.
