The Cold Moon: what December's full moon will look like in 2025
The Cold Moon: what December's full moon will look like in 2025
December 5 will bring one of the most striking astronomical sights of the year. Not only will a supermoon light up the night sky, but this full moon will also be the highest we'll see until until 2042.
December full moon: date and timing
The full moon will occur on December 5 and will fall exceptionally close to the winter solstice.
Each year, December's full moon appears against a different backdrop of stars. It most often rises in Taurus, but sometimes shifts into Gemini or Orion. In 2025, it will be positioned in Taurus. On the night of December 5, the Moon will also pass relatively close to Pollux, the brightest star in Gemini.
You'll also spot another bright celestial companion nearby: Jupiter. Together, the Moon, Pollux, and Jupiter will form a visually striking alignment across the sky. Although the Moon will already be beginning to wane, the scene will remain dramatic — and especially rewarding for anyone into astrophotography.
The highest full moon of the year
In the Northern Hemisphere, this full moon occurs closest to the winter solstice, which takes place on December 21. This is precisely why it will climb higher above the horizon than any other full moon this year. And higher than any full moon we'll see again until 2042.
The Moon will rise at the far southeastern edge of the horizon and set far to the southwest. This position means the Moon will stay visible for most of the night. It also won't be blocked by tall buildings or mountain peaks, so you'll have ideal conditions for observation and uninterrupted views of the moonlight.
All of this applies to the Northern Hemisphere. South of the equator, the experience will be the opposite. There, December's full moon will be the lowest of the year. The highest full moon for the Southern Hemisphere occured on June 11, 2025. In December, the Moon will sit unusually close to the horizon — much like the Sun during the southern winter solstice. As its light travels through a thicker layer of Earth's atmosphere, it may take on warm, atmospheric tones: golden, orange, or even reddish.
