It’s been a big year for lunar lovers in NSW, and as 2025 draws to a close, so does this year’s super rare trio of supermoons. 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. Thankfully, the lunar delights don’t stop there – 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 from NSW.
When is the next supermoon in NSW?
Australia’s next supermoon, the Cold Moon, will light up the sky above NSW on the night of Friday, December 5.
When is the best time to see the December supermoon in NSW?
On December 5, the supermoon will rise into the sky above Sydney at 8.35pm. Not in the city? You can find the scheduled moonrise time for your location here.
How to see the December supermoon in NSW?
Professor Kamath, Astrophysicist and Lecturer at Macquarie University, shared her tips on getting the best of the supermoon, explaining: “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 in and around Sydney.
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.
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