California to See First Supermoon of 2026 With January’s Wolf Moon

California skywatchers will have a striking celestial show to kick off the new year when the Wolf Moon rises in early January, and this one will appear bigger and brighter than most full moons in 2026.

The Wolf Moon, which peaks at 2:03 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, is the first supermoon of the year, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, known as perigee, making it appear noticeably larger and brighter in the sky.

At perigee, the moon can be about 226,000 miles from Earth, said NASA. While still incredibly distant, that closer position enhances its size and glow—especially when viewed near the horizon.

Although peak illumination happens early Saturday morning, the moon will look full for several nights, giving Californians plenty of chances to catch it rising on Friday evening, Jan. 2. Moonrise times range from just after 4 p.m. across much of the state, including Redding, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.

January’s full moon is traditionally called the Wolf Moon, a name rooted in Native American and early European traditions. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, winter was a time when wolves were often heard howling as they communicated, defended territory, and coordinated hunts.

The Wolf Moon is one of three supermoons in 2026, with the next two arriving in late November and December—making January’s full moon an especially memorable way to start the year by simply looking up.