Skywatchers are in for a treat on Tuesday, 10 June, as June’s full moon – the Strawberry Moon – reaches peak illumination at on Wednesday, 11 June at 21:44 (SA time).
However, despite the name, the moon won’t appear pink.
The “Strawberry Moon” traces back to Native American tribes, who named it after the short, sweet wild strawberry harvest season.
What makes it special this year?
This year’s Strawberry Moon is the lowest full moon in nearly 20 years, thanks to the moon’s 18.6-year orbital cycle.
Because it hovers low on the horizon, Earth’s atmosphere filters the light, giving the moon a warmer, reddish-orange hue.
How best to watch:
- Look to the eastern horizon on June 10 evening for moonrise
- Best viewed from dark, elevated spots away from city lights
- Expect the warmest glow just after moonrise when it’s closest to the horizon
Pro tip:
Bring binoculars or a camera for this low-hanging lunar moment – it won’t return until 2043.
In 2025, the full moon dates and names are as follows:
| DATE | NAME |
| 13 January | Wolf Moon |
| 12 February | Snow Moon |
| 14 March | Worm Moon |
| 12 April | Pink Moon |
| 12 May | Flower Moon |
| 11 June | Strawberry Moon |
| 10 July | Buck Moon |
| 9 August | Sturgeon Moon |
| 7 September | Corn Moon |
| 6 October | Harvest Moon |
| 5 November | Beaver Moon |
| 4 December | Cold Moon |
Will you be keeping an eye out for the Strawberry Moon?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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