April’s Pink Moon 2026: How to see the full moon in all its glory

Skygazers can enjoy enchanting views of the upcoming April’s full Pink Moon, set to reach its peak in the UK at 3:12 BST on Thursday 2 April. While it offers a beautiful night sky, it is unlikely to look pink; rather the name refers to a pink flower in North America that blooms at this time of year. Rising on the evening of April 1, the moon will likely appear orange rather than pink. 

This occurs because sunlight must pass through a denser part of the Earth’s atmosphere which scatters blue and violet light and leaves only redder hues. 

The Pink Moon is an ancient name used to track seasons. Other global names include the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon, and other Breaking Ice Moon, all signaling the arrival of spring. Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon that occurs after the spring equinox. 

While the astronomical equinox fluctuates between March 20 and 21, the Christian Church uses a fixed date of March 21 for its calculations. Historical use of different calendars means Easter dates can still vary globally, particularly for Orthodox festivals.

How to catch an enchanting glimpse of April's Pink Moon

A cold front is expected to bring cloud and rain across England and Wales on Wednesday night. The clearest skies for viewing the moon are predicted for Scotland and Northern Ireland, where the air will be colder. This lunar event highlights how the Jewish calendar also relies on lunar cycles, with the new moon marking the start of a month and the full moon falling at the midpoint.