Flower Moon: May's Full Moon Explained

The Flower Moon is the full moon traditionally associated with May. In 2027, it reaches its full phase early on May 20, as spring flowers are blooming across much of the Northern Hemisphere.

Unlike the Pink Moon, which is linked with a particular type of phlox, the Flower Moon isn’t named for one species. It’s a broad seasonal name for a time when fields, forests, and gardens are filling with new growth.

When is the Flower Moon?

The Flower Moon is May’s full moon. In 2027, the Moon will reach its full phase on May 20 at 6:59 a.m. EDT, or 3:59 a.m. PDT. Check the fact sheet above for your location’s exact time and date.

For most viewers in North America, the best opportunity will be the night of May 19 into the morning of May 20. If clouds get in the way, the Moon will also appear nearly full the following evening.

Flower Moon dates by year

Why is it called the Flower Moon?

As you may have guessed, by May, many spring wildflowers are in bloom across the northern parts of North America. Trees and shrubs are flowering too, while gardens and farm fields are entering an active growing period, hence the name Flower Moon.

Other names for May’s full moon

Other May moon names reflect seasonal work and the abundance that returns in late spring:

- [Moon of the Digging Time](https://library.settingsunproductions.org/digital-heritage/moon-digging-time) (pədčáʔəd): The Swinomish calendar uses this name for much of May, when roots such as camas, bracken fern, cattail, nodding onion, and tiger lily are gathered. - [Planting Moon](https://www.potawatomi.org/blog/2022/03/21/mnokme-spring-months-named-for-bountiful-changes/) (Gtegan Gises): A Citizen Potawatomi name connected with preparing garden soil and planting crops. - [Milk Moon](https://roep.site.ox.ac.uk/article/the-old-english-martyrology): A European name related to the Old English Þrimilce, or “Three Milkings,” a name for May associated with abundant milk.

Flower Moon meaning and symbolism

In astrology and other esoteric practices, the Flower Moon is often associated with growth, renewal, and noticing what has begun to take root. But these themes mostly come from the season behind the name rather than from any measurable effect of the Moon.

How to see the Flower Moon

A full moon generally rises near sunset and remains visible through most of the night. For the 2027 Flower Moon, start with the local moonrise time and direction in the fact sheet, then find a clear view of that part of the horizon.

The Moon may look larger when it first rises, but that apparent size is a familiar optical effect called the Moon illusion. If you’re taking a photograph, including a distant tree, building, or ridgeline can make that low-horizon view more interesting and provide a useful sense of scale.