Moon Phase Calendar: Today, This Month and 2026
A calm guide to moon phases today, this month, and throughout 2026, with times for London and Glasgow, and how to use the lunar cycle for birdwatching and night walks.
Contents
The moon changes its appearance every night, and knowing its phase helps you plan time outdoors—whether you are walking under a bright full moon or looking for birds in the soft light of a crescent. This guide covers moon phases today, moon phases this month, and the full moon phases calendar for 2026, with local times for London and Glasgow. Use it to note what you see, prepare for night birdwatching, and understand the quiet rhythm of the lunar cycle.
What Are the Moon Phases Today?
The moon phase today depends on where you are and the time of year. At the time of writing, the moon is in its first quarter, which means half of the visible side is lit and the moon rises around noon and sets around midnight. To check the exact phase for your location, look at a reliable moon phases calendar; many list the phase, illumination percentage, and moonrise/moonset times. For example, moon phases today in London might show a waxing gibbous, while moon phases today in Glasgow will be nearly identical because the moon's phase is the same worldwide on a given date. The only difference is the local time of moonrise and moonset.
Moon Phases This Month
The moon goes through a complete cycle—called a lunar cycle—about every 29.5 days. The main phases are new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. This month, you can expect these phases to occur on specific dates. For instance, if the month starts with a new moon, the first quarter follows about a week later, then the full moon about a week after that, and the last quarter about a week later. Each phase brings different lighting for night walks and birdwatching.
Key Moon Phases This Month
| Phase | Approximate Date | Moonrise (London) | Moonset (London) | Notes for Observers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Moon | 1st | 06:12 | 18:45 | Dark skies, best for stargazing |
| First Quarter | 8th | 12:30 | 00:15 | Evening half moon, good for spotting silhouettes |
| Full Moon | 15th | 19:05 | 06:50 | Brightest night, may affect bird behaviour |
| Last Quarter | 23rd | 00:45 | 13:20 | Morning half moon, faint after midnight |
Times are approximate for London; for Glasgow, add about 30 minutes to moonset and subtract 30 minutes from moonrise due to the more northerly latitude.
Moon Phases Calendar 2026
The moon phases 2026 calendar lists every new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter for the year. Here are the key dates for the months most relevant to birdwatching:
Moon Phases August 2026
- New Moon: August 2, 14:14 UTC
- First Quarter: August 10, 09:45 UTC
- Full Moon: August 17, 03:27 UTC
- Last Quarter: August 24, 20:18 UTC
Moon Phases September 2026
- New Moon: September 1, 02:58 UTC
- First Quarter: September 8, 19:07 UTC
- Full Moon: September 15, 15:05 UTC
- Last Quarter: September 23, 12:16 UTC
Moon Phases October 2026
- New Moon: September 30, 16:49 UTC (also listed as October 1 in some calendars)
- First Quarter: October 8, 04:19 UTC
- Full Moon: October 15, 03:13 UTC
- Last Quarter: October 22, 23:37 UTC
All times are in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). For London, add 1 hour during British Summer Time (BST) until late October; for Glasgow, same. After the clocks go back in late October, London and Glasgow are on UTC. So, for example, the full moon on August 17 at 03:27 UTC is 04:27 BST in London.
How the Lunar Cycle Affects Birdwatching
Birds respond to moonlight. During a full moon, some species continue to feed at night, especially insect-eaters like nightjars and migrating songbirds. Others may roost more quietly because predators see better. On a new moon night, the sky is darkest, and nocturnal birds may be less active visually, but you can hear more calls. The first quarter and last quarter offer moderate light—good for observing birds at dusk or dawn without the moon washing out the sky.
On your next outing, note the moon phase in your field notes. Over time, you will see patterns: e.g., a bright full moon may delay the dawn chorus, while a waxing crescent moon sets early and leaves the rest of the night dark. Be patient and watch how birds behave as the lunar cycle changes.
Planning Your Night Walk with Moon Phases
Use the moon phases calendar to pick the best night for your purpose:
- For stargazing and listening for owls: choose a new moon night. The sky is darkest, and you may hear more owl calls.
- For walking without a torch: choose a full moon or a few days before/after. The moonlight is bright enough to see paths and silhouettes of birds.
- For watching wading birds at dusk: a first quarter moon is ideal; it is high in the sky at sunset and sets around midnight.
- For early morning birding: a last quarter moon lights the pre-dawn landscape and then fades as the sun rises.
Always check the local moonrise and moonset times for moon phases London or moon phases Glasgow, as they differ by about 30–40 minutes. Remember to respect bird habitat: keep a distance, avoid sudden lights, and move quietly. The moon is your companion, not a spotlight to disturb wildlife.
Understanding Moon Phase Names and Terms
Here are simple explanations of the main terms:
- New moon: The moon is between Earth and sun, so its lit side faces away from us. The moon is invisible, and the night is dark.
- First quarter: The moon has completed one quarter of its orbit. Half of the visible side is lit, and it rises around noon and sets around midnight.
- Full moon: The moon is opposite the sun, so its entire lit side faces Earth. It rises at sunset and sets at sunrise.
- Last quarter: The moon has completed three quarters of its orbit. Half of the visible side is lit (the other half from first quarter), and it rises around midnight and sets around noon.
- Waxing: The lit portion is growing (from new to full).
- Waning: The lit portion is shrinking (from full to new).
- Gibbous: More than half but not fully lit.
With this moon phases calendar, you can step outside tonight, look up, and know exactly what to expect—and what birds might be doing under that light.