As 2025 draws to a close, so too does this year's dazzling supermoon season. Skygazers have already been wowed by the first two in a rare trio of consecutive supermoons, with last month showcasing the brightest and biggest of the past 12 months. Now, the Cold Moon is on its way, offering the perfect chance to manifest all your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Even better, the December full moon is paving the way for a fourth consecutive supermoon in early January 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the next full moon in Australian skies.
When is the next supermoon in Australia?
Australia’s next supermoon, the Cold Moon, lights up the sky on the night of Friday, December 5. It will start rising just after sunset; however, the peak of the full moon will happen around midnight (the exact timing varies depending on your location in Australia).
When is the best time to see the supermoon in Australia?
On December 5, the supermoon will rise across Australia just after sunset. Local moonrise times include:
- Brisbane – 7.07pm
- Darwin – 7.31pm
- Perth – 7.57pm
- Sydney – 8.35pm
- Canberra – 8.49pm
- Adelaide – 9.02pm
- Melbourne – 9.16pm
- Hobart – 9.28pm
You can find the scheduled moonrise time for your location here.
How to see the supermoon in Australia?
Professor Kamath says, “The best way to experience a supermoon is at moonrise, when it climbs above the eastern horizon just after sunset. At this moment, the moon illusion makes it look especially large, and setting it against trees, buildings or a skyline adds to the drama.”
When it comes to fully appreciating the supermoon, the darker the area you're in, the better. You can find our top spots in this handy guide to the best stargazing spots near Australia.
What is a supermoon?
A full moon is dubbed a supermoon when it’s at the closest point to Earth during its orbit. At this time, the moon appears bigger and brighter than usual in the night sky.
How big is a supermoon?
A supermoon can appear up to 14 per cent larger and up to 30 per cent brighter than your standard full moon – so spotting it should be a breeze.
How did the Cold Moon get its name?
It’s called the Cold Moon because it rises during December, when the Northern Hemisphere is in the thick of winter, heralding the longest and coldest nights.
When is the next full moon?
The first supermoon of 2026 lights up Australian skies on Saturday, January 3, with two more following later in the year on November 24 and December 23.