‘Cold Supermoon’ Will Light Up the Northern California Sky This Week

Northern California is in prime position to witness one of the most striking moonrises of the year this Thursday, as the Cold Moon Supermoon climbs above the state’s expansive dark-sky regions. According to astronomers, California ranks among the top four states in the country for optimal viewing.

This full Moon — also known as the Cold Moon or Child Moon — is the last supermoon of 2025, wrapping up a rare sequence of three supermoons in a row. For the best views, look east around 4:15 p.m., just as the moon rises and reaches peak illumination. This is when it will appear largest, brightest, and most colorful, thanks to atmospheric distortion near the horizon.

Experts recommend choosing a high vantage point or wide-open horizon and avoiding city lights. A tripod or steady surface will help capture the moon’s vivid glow.

California’s strong ranking on the Supermoon Visibility Index comes from its unique mix of high elevations, coastal clarity, and inland dark-sky zones. From the Sierra peaks to desert basins, the state offers some of the best unobstructed moonrise views in the nation.

December’s full Moon has long been associated with the onset of winter and the longest nights of the year. Other traditional names include the Long Night Moon, Frost Moon, and Moon Before Yule. NASA also recognizes a newer nickname, the Child Moon, coined five years ago by 7-year-old Astrid Hattenbach.

This year’s Cold Moon becomes full while the Moon is near one of its closest points to Earth, making it a true supermoon. It will also be one of the highest-rising December full moons in the northern hemisphere until 2042.

Clear skies permitting, California’s final supermoon of 2025 should be a spectacular show.