February full moon 2026: When and how to see the snow moon

This full moon takes place near the constellation Cancer, the Crab, though the Moon’s brightness will easily outshine the surrounding stars. If you stay outside a bit longer, you may also notice Jupiter shining brightly nearby in the evening sky, along with familiar winter constellations such as Orion and Gemini.

The name ‘Snow Moon’ comes from long-standing traditions in North America and Europe, where February was often the snowiest month of the year. Heavy snowfall made travel and hunting difficult, leading some communities to also call it the ‘Hungry Moon’. Other names include the ‘Storm Moon’, reflecting the rough weather that can accompany late winter.

While bright moonlight can wash out faint objects, February’s full moon is a great chance to explore lunar features with binoculars or a small telescope. The Moon’s surface, fully lit by the Sun, tells the story of its ancient past.