The Full Moon in April 2026, known as the Pink Moon, occurs on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 8:22 PM EDT (00:22 UTC on April 13). This full moon reaches peak illumination in Libra at 22°58’, lasting approximately 3 days of visible fullness and marking the first full moon of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Despite its romantic name, the Pink Moon doesn’t actually appear pink—the name comes from the pink phlox wildflowers (Phlox subulata) that bloom across North America during April. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this naming tradition originates from Indigenous Algonquin peoples who used the moon as a natural calendar.
When Is the Pink Moon in 2026?
The April 2026 Pink Moon reaches peak fullness on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Here are the exact times across major time zones:
| Time Zone | Date | Peak Fullness |
|---|---|---|
| EDT (New York) | Sunday, April 12 | 8:22 PM |
| CDT (Chicago) | Sunday, April 12 | 7:22 PM |
| MDT (Denver) | Sunday, April 12 | 6:22 PM |
| PDT (Los Angeles) | Sunday, April 12 | 5:22 PM |
| UTC | Monday, April 13 | 12:22 AM |
| BST (London) | Monday, April 13 | 1:22 AM |
| IST (India) | Monday, April 13 | 5:52 AM |
| AEST (Sydney) | Monday, April 13 | 10:22 AM |
Best viewing: The moon will appear full to the naked eye from Saturday evening (April 11) through Monday morning (April 13). Peak visibility in North America occurs at moonrise on Sunday, April 12.
April 2026 Pink Moon Astrological Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exact date/time | April 12, 2026, 8:22 PM EDT |
| Zodiac sign | Libra 22°58' |
| Element | Air |
| Ruling planet | Venus |
| Lunar phase duration | ~3 days visible fullness |
| Supermoon status | No (regular full moon) |
| Eclipse | No |
Why Is It Called the Pink Moon?
The Pink Moon gets its name from Phlox subulata, also called moss pink or creeping phlox—one of the earliest widespread spring flowers in eastern North America. These pink wildflowers carpet hillsides and meadows in April, creating a visual connection between the blooming earth and the full moon above.
According to the National Geographic, the Algonquin peoples named each full moon to track the seasons and coordinate activities like planting, hunting, and gathering. The Pink Moon signaled that spring had truly arrived.
Other Traditional Names for April’s Full Moon
| Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sprouting Grass Moon | Indigenous American | New grass pushing through soil |
| Fish Moon | Coastal tribes | Shad fish swim upstream to spawn |
| Egg Moon | Anglo-Saxon | Birds begin laying eggs |
| Paschal Moon | Christian tradition | Determines Easter date |
| Hanuman Jayanti | Hindu tradition | Celebrates Lord Hanuman’s birth |
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Discover your timing →Pink Moon Spiritual Meaning and Energy
The April Full Moon carries powerful spiritual significance as it illuminates the first full lunar cycle of spring. Following February’s Snow Moon and March’s Worm Moon, the Pink Moon completes the transition from winter to spring. “The Pink Moon represents emergence, renewal, and the courage to bloom after winter’s dormancy,” explains astrologer Chani Nicholas, author of You Were Born For This. “It’s a time when what was planted in the dark begins to show itself.”
Key Themes for the Pink Moon
As Susan Miller, astrologer and founder of AstrologyZone.com, notes: “Full moons bring things to fruition—they reveal, culminate, and often demand decisions. The Pink Moon in Libra specifically asks us to examine our partnerships and find where compromise is needed.”
- Emergence: Coming out of hibernation (literal and metaphorical)
- Balance: Libra energy emphasizes relationships and harmony
- Beauty: Venus-ruled, this moon invites appreciation of aesthetics
- Partnerships: Ideal for examining relationship dynamics
- Fairness: Libra seeks equilibrium in all things
What the Libra Full Moon Means
With the April 2026 Pink Moon falling in Libra (ruled by Venus), the themes center on:
- Relationships — Illuminating dynamics with partners, friends, and collaborators
- Harmony — Finding balance between personal needs and others’ expectations
- Aesthetics — Heightened appreciation for beauty, art, and design
- Justice — Examining fairness in your life and larger social contexts
- Diplomacy — Resolving conflicts through communication rather than confrontation
According to a Pew Research Center study, 27% of Americans identify as “spiritual but not religious,” many of whom incorporate lunar practices into their personal spirituality.
Pink Moon Rituals and Practices
Full moons are traditionally times of completion, release, and gratitude. Here are practices aligned with the Pink Moon’s energy:
Release Ritual
The full moon illuminates what needs to let go. During the Pink Moon:
- Write down what no longer serves you
- Read each item aloud under the moonlight
- Safely burn or bury the paper
- Replace each release with an intention for what you’re inviting in
Relationship Check-In
Libra energy makes this ideal for partnership work:
- Have an honest conversation with a partner or close friend
- Review relationship patterns that need adjustment
- Express appreciation for the people who support you
- Set intentions for more balanced give-and-take
Spring Cleaning (Energetic)
Align your space with the season:
- Declutter one room or area
- Open windows to let fresh air circulate
- Add fresh flowers (pink phlox if available!)
- Cleanse your space with sound, smoke, or intention
Beauty and Self-Care Ritual
Venus-ruled Libra invites self-appreciation:
- Take a luxurious bath with flowers or essential oils
- Update your spring wardrobe
- Schedule a haircut (many believe cutting hair during full moon increases thickness)
- Invest in something beautiful for your home
Pink Moon Gardening Guide
April’s full moon has traditionally guided planting decisions. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac gardening guide, the days just after the full moon (waning phase) are ideal for:
| Plant Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Root vegetables | Plant carrots, potatoes, beets |
| Bulbs | Good time to plant or divide |
| Transplanting | Reduced transplant shock |
| Pruning | Reduced sap flow |
For above-ground crops, wait until after the new moon (waxing phase).
How to See the Pink Moon in 2026
Best Viewing Times
- Moonrise: The most dramatic view is at moonrise, when the moon appears largest due to the “moon illusion.” Check local moonrise times—typically around sunset on April 12.
- Peak illumination: 8:22 PM EDT provides the most technically “full” view.
- All night: The moon will be visible all night, setting around sunrise.
Viewing Tips
- Find an unobstructed eastern horizon for moonrise viewing
- Avoid light pollution if possible—use darksitefinder.com to find dark sky areas
- No equipment needed — the full moon is best enjoyed with naked eyes or binoculars
- Photograph with a tripod for the sharpest moon shots
Note: While the Pink Moon doesn’t appear pink, atmospheric conditions at moonrise can create orange, red, or amber coloration due to light scattering through more atmosphere near the horizon.
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Discover your timing →Pink Moon 2026 and Your Zodiac Sign
Here’s how each sign can work with the Libra Pink Moon energy:
| Zodiac Sign | Pink Moon Theme | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | Partnerships | Balancing independence with collaboration |
| Taurus | Health & service | Work-life balance |
| Gemini | Creativity & romance | Expressing yourself authentically |
| Cancer | Home & family | Creating harmony at home |
| Leo | Communication | Listening as much as speaking |
| Virgo | Values & finances | Balancing saving and spending |
| Libra | Identity | Releasing people-pleasing patterns |
| Scorpio | Rest & spirituality | Processing and release |
| Sagittarius | Community & friendship | Group dynamics and belonging |
| Capricorn | Career & reputation | Work-life integration |
| Aquarius | Expansion & learning | Broadening your perspective |
| Pisces | Transformation | Shared resources and intimacy |
Want daily guidance? Check your Libra daily horoscope for balance-focused insights, or read your Aries daily horoscope if you’re feeling the push-pull of this full moon opposition.
For personalized insights based on your birth chart, track the Pink Moon in Sidera to see exactly which house it activates for you. If you’re planning important life events around this time, you might also explore electional astrology for optimal timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pink Moon? The Pink Moon is the traditional name for April’s full moon, named after the pink phlox wildflowers that bloom across North America in spring. The moon itself doesn’t appear pink—it displays its normal white or golden color.
When is the Pink Moon in 2026? The Pink Moon occurs on Sunday, April 12, 2026, reaching peak illumination at 8:22 PM EDT (00:22 UTC on April 13).
Why is April’s full moon called the Pink Moon? The name comes from Phlox subulata (moss pink), one of the first widespread spring flowers in eastern North America. The Algonquin peoples named full moons to track seasonal changes.
Is the 2026 Pink Moon a supermoon? No, the April 2026 Pink Moon is not a supermoon. The moon will be at a typical distance from Earth during this full moon.
What zodiac sign is the Pink Moon in 2026? The April 2026 Pink Moon falls in Libra at 22°58’, emphasizing themes of balance, relationships, and harmony.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Pink Moon? The Pink Moon represents emergence, renewal, and the courage to bloom after winter’s dormancy. In Libra, it especially highlights relationships, beauty, and finding balance.
What should I do during the Pink Moon? Traditional full moon practices include releasing what no longer serves you, expressing gratitude, relationship check-ins, and spring cleaning. The Venus-ruled energy also supports self-care and beauty rituals.
Can you actually see pink color in the Pink Moon? The moon itself appears white or golden, not pink. However, atmospheric conditions during moonrise can create amber or orange tones. The “pink” name refers to spring flowers, not the moon’s color.
Is the Pink Moon related to Easter? Yes—the Pink Moon is often the Paschal Moon, which determines the date of Easter. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.
What time will the Pink Moon rise? Moonrise times vary by location but generally occur around sunset on April 12, 2026. Check local astronomical sources for exact times in your area.
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Summary: April 2026 Pink Moon
The Pink Moon on April 12, 2026 brings Libra’s harmonizing energy to the first full moon of spring. Key takeaways:
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Peak time: 8:22 PM EDT (00:22 UTC, April 13)
- Zodiac sign: Libra 22°58'
- Themes: Balance, relationships, beauty, emergence
- Best for: Releasing old patterns, partnership work, spring cleaning, self-care
Whether you’re a dedicated moon-tracker or simply curious about the cosmos, the Pink Moon offers a beautiful reminder that spring has arrived—and with it, the opportunity for renewal.
Track the Pink Moon’s exact position in your birth chart with Sidera’s astrology app—see how the Libra full moon activates your personal houses for more specific guidance.