Cold Moon (final supermoon of 2025) peaks on Dec. 4 at 6:14 p.m. local time and should appear slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon if skies are clear. NASA notes a full moon near perigee can look up to 14% larger and 30% brighter, an effect often enhanced by the moon illusion near the horizon. December moon phases: Full Dec. 4; Last Quarter Dec. 11; New Dec. 20; First Quarter Dec. 27. Average Earth–moon distance ≈ 238,855 miles; closest approach this year ≈ 221,817 miles; apogee ≈ 252,088 miles.
When to See the Cold Moon — Final Supermoon of 2025 Peaks Dec. 4
Cold Moon (final supermoon of 2025) peaks on Dec. 4 at 6:14 p.m. local time and should appear slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon if skies are clear. NASA notes a full moon near perigee can look up to 14% larger and 30% brighter, an effect often enhanced by the moon illusion near the horizon. December moon phases: Full Dec. 4; Last Quarter Dec. 11; New Dec. 20; First Quarter Dec. 27. Average Earth–moon distance ≈ 238,855 miles; closest approach this year ≈ 221,817 miles; apogee ≈ 252,088 miles.
10:34 PM, 11/19/2025Science
The final supermoon of 2025, known as the Cold Moon, will brighten skies on the evening of Dec. 4. It reaches peak fullness at 6:14 p.m. local time on Dec. 4 and, weather permitting, should appear slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
A supermoon occurs when a full or new moon coincides with the moon's nearest approach to Earth (perigee). According to NASA, a full moon near perigee can appear up to 14% larger and as much as 30% brighter than when the moon is near its farthest point (apogee).
Many viewers will notice the familiar moon illusion: the moon appears especially large when low on the horizon. For the most dramatic view and better photos, watch around moonrise or shortly after, when foreground objects (trees, buildings, or distant hills) emphasize the effect.
December 2025 Moon Phases
- Full Moon (Cold Moon): Dec. 4 — peak 6:14 p.m.
- Last Quarter: Dec. 11
- New Moon: Dec. 20
- First Quarter: Dec. 27
Key distances to keep in mind: the average Earth–moon distance is about 238,855 miles. At apogee the moon is roughly 252,088 miles away; the average perigee distance is about 225,623 miles. This year the closest approach associated with a supermoon will be approximately 221,817 miles from Earth. NASA also notes the moon is slowly moving away from Earth by a very small amount each year.
Looking ahead, the next named full moon — the Wolf Moon — will peak on Jan. 3, 2026.
Sources: NASA; Old Farmer's Almanac; Space.com.