Strawberry moon 2025: When, Where and how to watch it this month

strawberry moon 2025: when where and how to watch (Image: Canva)

There’s something magical about a full moon at dusk. This month, it’s the Strawberry Moon, ready to rise low and pinkish above the horizon. Stargazers across the Northern Hemisphere will get a treat as June’s full moon makes its annual appearance.

Final Full Moon of Spring to Appear on June 10

The full moon will occur officially at 3:45 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 11. But the best time to view it will be on the evening of Tuesday, June 10. That’s when the moon will rise low in the southeastern sky during twilight hours.

This full moon is the last of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s also the lowest full moon of the year as seen from above the equator. It will glide across the southern horizon overnight and set in the southwest at dawn.

June’s full moon is always opposite the sun. Since the summer solstice is just days away, the moon appears lower than usual. While the sun climbs high in the sky, the moon keeps to the lower edge, giving a near-horizon view throughout the night.

Farthest from the Sun, Closest to the Horizon

This moon is not only low — it’s also far from the sun. Earth reaches aphelion, its farthest point from the sun, on July 3. Because the full moon is always opposite the sun, June’s full moon sits at its own farthest distance too — about 94,600 miles (152,200 km) from our star.

As the moon rises, skywatchers may also spot Antares nearby. This bright, reddish star lies in the constellation Scorpius, about 550 light-years away. Look slightly above and to the right of the moon to catch it.

Why Is It Called the Strawberry Moon?

The name "Strawberry Moon" comes from wild strawberries that ripen in June. Native American tribes named full moons after seasonal changes and harvests. Other traditional names for June’s moon include the Berries Ripen Moon, Green Corn Moon and Hot Moon.

English and Celtic names for the full moon vary too. These include Flower Moon, Planting Moon, Mead Moon, Horse Moon and Rose Moon. The names reflect seasonal growth, blossoming plants, and early summer warmth.

So when the Strawberry Moon rises, don’t miss it. It’s a soft reminder of summer’s approach — low in the sky, but high in charm.