Although full moons typically occur every 29.5 days, the length of a lunar cycle, it is relatively rare for two full moons – or a double full moon – to take place within the same month. But that's exactly what's set to happen this May.
Here's when May 2026's Flower Moon and Blue Moon will be visible in the sky – plus what the double full moon means for you and your star sign.
When is the Flower Moon this year?
This year, the annual Flower Moon will fall on Friday, 1 May and will be at its brightest at 18.23pm, according to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Said to symbolise new beginnings and fresh opportunity, the Flower Moon gets its name from the season, which is synonymous with buds, blooms and blossoms.
Sometimes referred to as the Corn-Planting Moon, the Milk Moon or the Hare Moon, the Flower Moon was traditionally observed by Native Americans, as well as the Anglo-Saxons and Celtics.
What date is the Blue Moon in 2026?
Just 30 days later, on Sunday, 31 May, there will also be a Blue Moon, which will be visible from 09:45am that day.
Unlike the other types of full moons (more on that below), a Blue Moon only happens roughly every two and a half years. This is because the lunar cycle happens over a period of 29.5 days – a total 354 days for 12 full cycles.
Falling short of the 365 days in a year, this means that sometimes, a 13th full moon occurs – and that is the Blue Moon (hence the saying “once in a blue moon”).
How common is a double full moon?
Statistically speaking, a double full moon in one month is relatively uncommon, with the British Astronomical Association stating there's just a 4.74% chance of there being a second full moon in a 31-day month.
What May's double full moon means for you
“It's intense feelings all round as the cosmos delivers a month bookended by full moons this May, making the second a rare Blue Moon. Think twice the heightened emotions, twice the moon-bathing vibes and twice the opportunity to manifest some magic and let go of anything that no longer works in your life,” says Glamour UK's resident astrologer, Emma Howarth.
"The 1 May full Flower Moon falls in magnetic, mystical water sign Scorpio ushering in the transformative energy we all need to shed old skins as spring 2026 plays out. If you're ready to become the best version of yourself, this full moon is where one door closes and another starts to reveal its potential.
“The Blue Moon (which is blue in name only unfortunately!) arrives in the morning of 31 May – making 30 May the ideal night for some sky-gazing action – and falls in optimistic, adventurous Sagittarius. It's an ideal full moon to bridge the divide between spring and summer for anyone hoping to expanding their mind and horizons as the weather starts to hot up. Sagittarius is a sign that thrives on novelty, exploration and self-discovery so expect those themes to loom large as May ends with a dose of lunar magic.”
She continues: "Of course, for those of us who feel the impact of full moons intensely, two in one month might feel like too much to handle. Remember that there's actually no difference in the spacing or the timing of the full moons than in any other year... it just feels more intense because you're on your second one in May!
“Focus on the fact that full moons are a great opportunity to take stock, press pause and think about ways to create more space in your life and you'll soon be drumming your fingers waiting for the next full moon in June! Full moons can also help shed light on what works and what doesn't work in our current set ups and situations. Carve out some time to journal, reset and get clear about who exactly you want to be this summer and wait for the cosmos to work its magic.”
What are the other full moons called?
Other full moon names include:
- Wolf Moon
- Snow Moon
- Worm Moon
- Pink Moon
And the following full moons, after the Flower and Blue Moon in May, are yet to happen in 2026:
- Strawberry Moon – 30 June
- Buck Moon – 29 July
- Sturgeon Moon – 28 August
- Corn/Harvest Moon – 26 September
- Hunter's Moon – 26 October
- Beaver Moon – 24 November
- Cold Moon – 24 December
