Full Moon in February: The Enchanting Magic of the Snow Moon
29th Jan 2025
In the deep silence of winter, when nature sleeps soundly under the snow blanket, the Snow Moon reigns in the night sky. Its cold glow has long attracted people with its beauty and mystery. But what makes this celestial phenomenon so special? Let’s figure it out!
What Is a Snow Moon?

The February full moon name is firmly rooted in the traditions of the Indian tribes of North America. And it is not coincidentally: February in these areas is the snowiest month, a time of snowstorms and drifts.
In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver, a traveler and explorer of North America, recorded that the Indians of the Naudouessi tribe (Dakota) called February plenilune “Snow Moon” because this month brings more snowfalls than any other winter month.
Deep snowdrifts made hunting and travelling difficult, so the bright lunar orb was an important landmark. It helped hunters find their way home, and villagers – stay on the road during rare forays.
What Are the Other Names of the February Full Moon?

Different cultures of the world have their variations of February Full Moon names. These names don’t just reflect the weather conditions but also give insight into how different cultures perceived this time of the year and what significance they attached to the lunar cycle.
Here is what does Farmer’s Almanac say:
- Hunger Moon: This name comes from the fact that February was a difficult month for hunting and foraging for food for northern people. The supplies made in the fall were coming to an end, and new food had not yet appeared.
- Bony Moon: For the Celts and Germans, the February Full Moon was so strongly associated with hunger that it was called the “Bony Moon,” alluding to the fact that people had to gnaw on bones to survive.
- Storm Moon: This is the nickname given to the full moon in February in the northern regions of Europe, where February is characterized by severe storms and bad weather.
- Ice Moon: One more European name that reminds us of the fickle nature of February weather, as snow can melt and then freeze again in the run-up to spring, turning into ice
- Makes Branches Fall In Pieces Moon. This name, belonging to the Abenaki Indians of New England, reflects the harshness of winter weather and the difficulties that people faced during this period.
- Eagle Moon among the Cree Indians is associated with the appearance of eagles that return to these areas after winter.
- Budding Moon is called February plenilune in China, associating it with the first signs of spring despite the winter weather.
In the Southern Hemisphere, where February falls in the summer, the full moon is called the Grain Moon, Barley Moon or Red Moon, reflecting the agricultural cycle and summer weather specifics.
When Is the Snow Moon Called Black Moon?
The Snow Moon is called a Black Moon when there is no full moon in February. Yes, imagine, it is quite possible. If in other months we see the perfect orb in the sky once, and sometimes even twice, then in February it can not be there at all. This happens because the lunar cycle (the time from one full moon to the next) is longer than February. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. February, as the shortest month of the year, lasts 28 days (and 29 days in a leap year). Since plenilunes shift back by about 11 days each year (due to the difference in the length of the lunar and calendar years), the full moon that was at the end of January can “jump” into the beginning of March next year, completely “skipping” February.
However, February without a plenilune is quite a rare phenomenon. The last time this happened was in 1999, and the next time will be in 2037.
When Is the Full Moon in February 2025?
The full moon in February 2025 will reach its peak on February 12 at 13:53 GMT. At this moment, our satellite will be in the constellation of Leo. It is important to remember that this is the moment of maximum illumination of the lunar disk by the sun. However, to the naked eye, the perfect orb will appear full for 1–2 days before and after this time. The next Snow Moon will be on February 1, 2026, at 22:09 GMT.
By the way, we have a separate article that will help you understand when will be the next full moon in the UK. Make sure to look it through if you are interested in the topic of full moons.
Visible Planets And Constellations During the Snow Moon 2025
At the beginning of February 2025, a rare phenomenon will be observed: Venus, Saturn, and Neptune will be in the same part of the sky, surrounding a thin crescent. Venus and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, and you will need only binoculars or a telescope to observe Neptune. On February 9, Mars will be very close to our satellite.
In general, the full moon in February can be in one of three constellations: Leo, Cancer, or Sextans (a small constellation close to Leo). In 2025, the Snow Moon will be in the Leo constellation. On February 11, the satellite will pass near the star cluster Praesepe (M44) in the constellation of Cancer, and on February 12 – near Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation of Leo. Use one of the best stargazing apps (Star Walk 2, SkySafari, Stellarium Mobile) to find out which planets and constellations will be visible in your area during the Snow Moon.
Does the Moon Look Bigger As It Rises?
In reality, our satellite appears larger when it is low above the horizon. In fact, its size does not change, it is just an optical illusion, an illusion that is well explained by the Theory of Reference Point or Context.
According to the Theory of Context, the lunar disk appears larger near the horizon because we see it next to familiar objects, such as trees and buildings, and our brains perceive its size in comparison with these objects by mistake. Sometimes, when a celestial body is low above the horizon, it can seem to be flattened. This phenomenon is called the “Flat Luna” mirage and is explained by the refraction of light in the atmosphere.
Look For the Lunar Halo! When Is It Visible And Why?

A lunar halo is a beautiful optical phenomenon that can sometimes be seen as a glowing ring or halo around the Moon. The halo is most often formed in freezing weather when reflected sunlight is refracted and reflected by tiny ice crystals which are in high cirrus clouds. These crystals are shaped like hexagonal prisms, and as the moonlight passes through them, it is broken down into the colors of the spectrum, similar to how it happens in a rainbow.

In ancient times, it was believed that the appearance of a halo foretells the worsening of the weather, such as a cold snap or snowfall. And there is some truth in this. A halo appears due to the presence of ice crystals in the atmosphere, which can be harbingers of precipitation. By the way, a halo can be observed not only around the Moon but also around the Sun.
How to Observe the Snow Moon?
Snow Moon can be observed with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope are recommended for the best view. Choose a location with minimal light pollution, away from city lights, and on higher ground to get a better view of the lunar surface. And don’t forget warm clothes and a thermos with a hot herbal tea! February nights can be very cold.
Photographing the Snow Moon: Tips For Amateur Astrophotographers
We have previously explained how to take pictures of the Moon with iPhone. But if you want to capture the plenilune in all its glory, you will need a camera with a good zoom and a tripod. Here are some tips for getting quality shots:
- Use manual shooting mode.
- Set up the ISO to the minimum value (100).
- Choose an aperture of f/11.
- Set up the shutter speed to 1/100 second.
- Use the rear LCD screen of the camera to focus.
Important! Shoot the satellite when it is close to the horizon to get interesting shots. To shoot the lunar orb with an orange glow near the horizon, it is recommended to use the following settings: ISO 200, f/8, 1/40-1/50s.
Spiritual Meaning of the Full Moon in February 2025

Plenilune, like any celestial phenomenon, is given great significance in astrology. What does the full moon in February mean spiritually? It symbolizes the completion of a cycle, release from negativity and a time for introspection. It is a time for reflection, release and renewal. Similar to as nature experiences a harsh cloudy winter, we can also overcome difficulties and wait for warm, shiny days. Plenilune is also considered a time for increased intuition and spiritual growth, when we can look within ourselves, become aware of our feelings and needs, and chart a path for further growth.
Lunar Frantic: How Does the Snow Moon Make You Feel?
February plenilune can affect our emotional state, especially if you believe in this influence. Some people feel a surge of energy and inspiration, while others feel heightened sensitivity and anxiety.
Many people also believe that plenilune can drive you crazy, mentioning sleepwalking as the evidence. It is not for nothing that the word “lunatic” comes from the Latin “lunaticus”, which means “affected by the moon”. It is believed that people suffering from mental illness may show increased excitability and aggression during the full moon. However, scientific research does not confirm this connection.
A meta-analysis of 37 studies, conducted in 1985, found no connection between lunar phases and the number of visits to crisis centers, suicides, crimes, and psychiatric problems. Perhaps the belief in “lunar frantic” is fuelled by “confirmation bias” – the tendency to pay attention only to information that confirms our beliefs.
February Full Moon Legends
The Perfect lunar orb was often associated by the ancients with something mysterious and magic, so the phenomenon has always been shrouded in many myths and legends. Here are the most famous legends associated with Snow Moon.
Legend About the Winter Spirit
Many tribes believed that February plenilune was connected with the powerful spirit of winter. At this time, the spirit was especially strong and needed to be pleased so that it would retreat and give way to spring. Special rituals and sacrifices were performed for this purpose.
Legend About the Bigfoot
In some cultures, they believed that Bigfoot were especially active during the plenilune in Feb. This is because the moonlight is brighter than usual at this time, and the yeti can hunt and move more easily.
Bony Moon And the Goddess of Death
The Celts associated the February Full Moon with the goddess of death and rebirth, Mórrígan. It was believed that at this time the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead becomes thinner, and spirits can penetrate the world of people. To protect themselves from them, people lit fires and performed purification rituals.
On the Brink of Spring
The February Full Moon is not just an astronomical phenomenon, it is a part of the cultural heritage of different nations, shrouded in myths and legends. It is called the Snow Moon because of the heavy snowfalls typical for this time of year. The perfect lunar orb in the February sky signals to us that the time has come to free ourselves from the difficulties of winter and prepare for spring renewal. In 2025, the Snow Moon is expected on February 12. Do not miss the opportunity to admire this captivating spectacle and feel the magic of a winter night!
References and Additional Information
- Full Moon February 2025 – Snow Moon And Alternative Names https://www.farmersalmanac.com/february-full-snow-moon
- Full Moon calendar: When to see the Full Moon and phases https://www.astronomy.com/observing/full-moon-calendar-dates-times-types/
- When is the Next Full Moon 2025? Dates, Times, and Names https://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-dates-and-times
- When Is the Full Moon in February? Snow Moon Meaning Explained https://www.newsweek.com/when-full-moon-february-snow-moon-meaning-explained-native-american-mgha-pj-1678834
- What Is a Snow Moon? The Meanings Behind the Names of February’s Full Moon https://www.newsweek.com/february-full-moon-names-snow-storm-hunger-1571707
- Traditional Full Moon Names https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/full-moon-names.html
- Unveiling the Folklore of the Full Moon https://www.treesisters.org/post/unveiling-the-folklore-of-the-full-moon
- Myths and Legends of the Full Moon Phase https://www.moonglow.com/blogs/shoot-for-the-moon-blog/myths-and-legends-of-the-full-moon-phase
- How Does a Full Moon Affect Our Physical and Mental Well-Being? https://www.healthline.com/health/full-moon-effects
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