Our first Full Moon of 2026 arrives on Saturday 3 January, reaching its fullest point at exactly 9:02pm AEDT. Mark this one in your calendar; this moon just so happens to be a Supermoon and will be one of the biggest and brightest Full Moons of the whole year.
Also known as the Wolf Moon, it takes its name from the wolves that would howl at this point in the Northern Hemisphere’s winter to locate pack members and coordinate their hunts. Consequently, the name does seem at odds with the peak of summer currently experienced by residents of the Southern Hemisphere.
From an astrological perspective, this Supermoon falls in Cancer and is set to bring a deeply emotional wave of intensity. Here’s everything you need to know – including the best time to watch.
Best time to see the January 2026 Supermoon
Did you know that Full Moons generally look bigger in the summer months? This is because the Moon sits lower in the sky in summer. And – owing to an optical illusion – the closer the Moon is to the horizon, the bigger it appears to be. Add in the fact that this Moon is also a Supermoon, it means the residents of the Southern Hemisphere will be privy to one of the biggest Full Moons of the year.
The Northern Hemisphere won’t miss out. Since Supermoons on average are about 30 per cent brighter and 14 per cent bigger than regular Full Moons; January’s Full Moon will look especially big and bright no matter where in the world you’re situated.
The best time to watch will be when the Supermoon is closest to the horizon and this typically happens at sunset. Here are the sunset times for your city on 3 January – keep your eyes on the horizon.
- Canberra – 8:21 pm (AEDT)
- Sydney – 8:09 pm (AEDT)
- Melbourne – 8:45 pm (AEDT)
- Hobart – 8:52 pm (AEDT)
- Brisbane – 6:47 pm (AEST)
- Adelaide – 8:33 pm (ACDT)
- Darwin – 7:16 pm (ACST)
- Perth – 7:26 pm (AWST)
What to expect from our Super Full Moon in Cancer
As the energetic peak of the Moon Cycle, Full Moons are always considered to be emotionally heightened and intense moments. Supermoons are said to amplify the intensity felt during a regular Full Moon. Add in the placement in deeply sensitive Cancer and this event could prove to be an emotional rollercoaster.
In her January horoscope predictions, astrologer Sade Jackson said that this Supermoon in Cancer was “inviting us to feel our way into the new year rather than rush ahead of ourselves.”
Cancer as a sign is insightful, compassionate and profoundly sensitive. This is the kind of energy that allows one to engage on a deeper level. Relationships, creative work, even moments of rest feel more deliberate and far less superficial. Here we’re offered the opportunity to experience a richer emotional spectrum that leads us down a path of illumination but also heighten sensitivity to the world around us. This could be a time of enhanced creativity, the fostering of new ideas, and new inspiration. Creative pursuits that felt stuck may flow with ease and hobbies that previously felt laboured can regain their intentional spark. Now is the time to wrap your creature comforts around you like a healing balm. Whatever you need to do to find true rest and enjoyment, this is the moment to dive into any and all of these pursuits.
But as we open the door to inspiration and creativity, we are forced to open up our emotional reservoirs and connect with our inner selves and how we’re really feeling in this moment. Since the Moon is Cancer’s ruling planet, this alignment will see us feel the intensity of both influences increase. It can be overwhelming, moody or even mournful, but either way you cut it, this will be a moment to pause and tap into your emotional self before you can move into the new year with purpose. When managed in a healthy way, this process is cleansing and offers an opportunity to recalibrate. Approach this Supermoon with intention and throw away the fears, doubts and sadness that do nothing to serve you.
Full Moons that fall in Water signs can often feel like an overwhelming prospect, especially if you’re not ready to fully dive into your emotional well. But, in this moment, we’re anchored by four strong Capricorn placements – Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars – which help us stay grounded and find firm footing as we prepare to take the plunge. Remember not to rush, good things always take time. And if you need the extra space to breathe, allow yourself to take it.
Image: Patrick Langwallner on Unsplash
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