November’s full moon peaks Nov. 5 as a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter because the Moon is near its closest point to Earth. Full-moon names shift depending on the fall equinox: the full moon nearest the equinox is the Harvest Moon and the next is the Hunter’s Moon. Because the 2025 equinox was closer to October’s full moon, November 2025 is the Hunter’s Moon; in 2026, November’s full moon will be the Beaver Moon.
Beaver Moon or Hunter’s Moon? Which Name Fits November’s Full Supermoon (Peaks Nov. 5)
November’s full moon peaks Nov. 5 as a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter because the Moon is near its closest point to Earth. Full-moon names shift depending on the fall equinox: the full moon nearest the equinox is the Harvest Moon and the next is the Hunter’s Moon. Because the 2025 equinox was closer to October’s full moon, November 2025 is the Hunter’s Moon; in 2026, November’s full moon will be the Beaver Moon.
11:55, 06.11.2025Science
November’s full supermoon peaks Nov. 5 — which name is correct?
What to watch for: November’s full moon reaches peak illumination on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Because it occurs when the Moon is near its closest point to Earth, it’s a supermoon — appearing slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon. This is the second of four consecutive supermoons running from October through January 2026.
Why there’s a naming debate: Traditional full-moon names — like the Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon and Beaver Moon — depend on the timing of the fall equinox. The full moon nearest the fall equinox is called the Harvest Moon, and the following full moon is the Hunter’s Moon. Because the equinox can fall between Sept. 21 and Sept. 24, the month in which each named moon falls can shift every few years.
In 2025 the fall equinox fell on Sept. 22, which was closer to the October full moon (Oct. 6) than to the September full moon (Sept. 7). As a result, October 2025 was the Harvest Moon and November 2025 is therefore the Hunter’s Moon. While calling this November’s full moon the Beaver Moon is not strictly wrong in casual use, Hunter’s Moon better reflects the lunar sequence for 2025. In 2026, by contrast, November’s full moon will be the Beaver Moon.
Quick science note: The exact calendar dates of equinoxes and solstices vary because Earth’s orbit is not an even, 365-day cycle. That small mismatch is why the equinox and solstice dates (and thus the placement of named moons) shift slightly from year to year.
What the Hunter’s Moon means: Traditionally, the Hunter’s Moon signaled the start of hunting season as communities prepared for winter. Today it’s mostly a cultural name, but it remains a useful way to track the lunar sequence around the autumn equinox.
Viewing tips: For the biggest, most dramatic view, watch the moon shortly after moonrise or just before moonset when atmospheric effects near the horizon can emphasize its size and color. Binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens will enhance details.
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