Flower Moon 2027: Meaning and Dates

Origin of the name

May is when flowers are abundant across much of the northern hemisphere, and the full moon carries their name.

The Corn Planting Moon and Milk Moon are other traditional names. In Buddhist countries the May full moon is Vesak, marking the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

Viewing tips

Late spring full moons sit lower in the sky than winter ones and rise later in the evening, so twilight colors are often still in the sky at moonrise.

Lore and folklore

May's abundance of blossom gave the moon its name, and in Buddhist countries this is the moon of Vesak, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. European lore called it the Milk Moon, when cows first went out to fresh pasture and milk flowed freely.

Trivia

• The Flower Moon is the first full moon of meteorological summer in the northern hemisphere.
• In 2026 it falls on May 1, leaving room for a second full moon, a Blue Moon, on May 31.
• Vesak is fixed to this full moon, so its date moves each year like Easter.