Beaver Moon: November's Full Moon Explained

The Beaver Moon is the full moon traditionally associated with November. In 2026, it’s also a supermoon and may appear a little larger and brighter than an average full moon—although the difference is usually subtle.

Why “Beaver Moon”? The name reflects how beavers prepare for winter, stashing fresh branches in the water near their lodges to create a food supply for when the pond freezes. At least, that’s the most common explanation, but it’s not the only history attached to the name.

When is the Beaver Moon?

The Beaver Moon is November’s full moon. In 2026, the Moon will reach its full phase on November 24 at 9:53 a.m. EST, or 6:53 a.m. PST. Check the fact sheet above or the table below for the exact time in your location.

If you can’t see the Beaver Moon at the exact time, don’t worry—the Moon will still appear nearly full the night before and after its full phase.

Beaver Moon dates by year

Why is it called the Beaver Moon?

In northern parts of North America, fall is the time beavers prepare for winter. They repair dams and lodges and gather additional food and branches for the cold months ahead, when their ponds are frozen over. This activity is one explanation for the Beaver Moon name.

Another explanation connects the name with the beginning of the winter hunt and, later, the North American fur trade. An English-language collection published in 1830 called November “the beaver-moon” and described it as the time when beaver hunts began.

Whatever its origins, Beaver Moon has become the widely used name for November’s full moon in modern North American almanacs. Many Indigenous Nations, however, have their own languages, seasonal calendars, and names for lunar periods.

Other names for November’s Moon

With winter knocking, it’s no surprise that other names for November’s full moon relate to freezing weather, animal behavior, or seasonal food gathering.

The Center for Native American Studies at Northern Michigan University records *Baashkaakodin Giizis*, translated as Freezing Moon, in one Anishinaabe moon cycle.

Frost Moon, Mourning Moon, and Digging Moon also appear in November moon lists, although their origins and etymology aren’t always well documented.

Beaver Moon meaning and symbolism

As a modern symbol, the Beaver Moon is commonly associated with preparation, resourcefulness, and creating a secure foundation.

If you follow astrology and you’re a Sagittarius (November 22–December 21), this full moon falls during your birthday season, so you may also want to check your horoscope.

What makes the 2026 Beaver Moon special?

The 2026 Beaver Moon qualifies as a supermoon, meaning the full phase occurs near perigee, the closest part of the Moon’s monthly orbit around Earth.

While not dramatically different from a normal full moon, this November’s Beaver Moon should appear somewhat larger and brighter.

The Beaver Moon also shares November with the Leonid meteor shower. In 2026, the Leonids peak about a week before the full moon, so meteor watchers should look around the shower’s peak rather than wait for Beaver Moon night.

How to see the Beaver Moon

The best way to see this November’s full moon—or any full moon, really—is to find a clear view of the horizon in the direction of moonrise.

A full moon generally rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. Hills, trees, buildings, and clouds can delay the moment when it first becomes visible.

If you’re photographing the Beaver Moon, try including a distant foreground object and lowering the exposure to capture additional detail on the Moon’s surface.