According to The Old Farmers Almanac, April’s Full Pink Moon reaches peak illumination tonight (April 1) at 9:12pm. At this moment, it will appear larger than usual due to the Moon illusion and take on a beautiful golden hue. While the moon itself will look much like any other full moon, its traditional name reflects the season — warmer days, fresh blooms, and the return of new growth across the landscape.

When people hear the term “Pink Moon,” it is easy to imagine a moon glowing rosy in the night sky. But despite the name, April’s full moon will not actually appear pink. The nickname comes from moss pink, or creeping phlox, one of the earliest spring wildflowers to bloom in North America. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says the April full moon took its name from that bright pink flower because it was a familiar sign that spring had arrived.

The Pink Moon also carries special significance on the calendar. Because it is the first full moon after the spring equinox, it is known in Christian tradition as the Paschal Moon, which is used in determining the date of Easter. In 2026, Easter falls on April 5, just a few days after the Pink Moon.

Beyond its religious connection, the Pink Moon has long been seen as a marker of renewal and seasonal change. Different cultures have given April’s full moon other names tied to springtime, planting, melting ice, and the return of fish and grass. Those names all point to the same idea: winter is fading, and a new season is taking hold.