Skywatchers will get to see April’s full moon, also known as the Pink Moon, on April 12. Although moonrise and moonset times will change depending on your location, the full moon will be visible across many regions.

According to Space.com, the moon will reach its peak brightness at 8:22 p.m. EDT (0022 GMT on April 13).

Why Is It Called the Pink Moon?

Despite the name, the moon won’t appear pink. Instead, it gets this name from a pink flower that blooms in early spring—Phlox subulata, also known as moss pink or creeping phlox.

This tradition comes from Native American, Colonial American, and European cultures. These groups named full moons based on natural seasonal changes. So, the name “Pink Moon” celebrates the time of year, not the moon’s color.

Other Names for the April Full Moon

According to NASA, this moon also has several other names. Different cultures and tribes call it:

• Sprouting Grass Moon

• Egg Moon

• Fish Moon – because fish swim upstream to spawn

• Passover Moon (Pesach)

• Hanuman Jayanti Festival Moon – celebrated in India during Lord Hanuman’s birth

It’s Also a Micromoon

This full moon is special for another reason. It will be the smallest full moon of the year, often called a micromoon.

This happens because the moon reaches apogee, the point where it is farthest from Earth. As a result, it will look slightly smaller and dimmer, though most people won’t notice a big difference.

In India, this moon aligns with the Hanuman Jayanti festival. People celebrate the birth of Lord Hanuman, a key figure in Hindu tradition.

The last full moon was the Blood Moon on March 14, 2025. Before that, the Snow Moon reached its peak on February 12. Next, the Flower Moon will appear on May 12 at 11:56 p.m. CT.