Get ready for the last full moon of 2024: the Cold Moon.

December’s full moon will peak at 4:02 a.m. EST on Sunday, December 15, but will appear full for several days. The Old Farmer’s Almanac describes specific moonrise times for various zip codes in the United States

Why is the full moon in December called the cold moon?

The full moon in December is called a cold moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. The name was chosen because it is usually cold during the full moon in December.

The moon also has several other nicknames, including “Long Night Moon,” a name with Mohican origins, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The name comes from the fact that the full moon in December occurs on one of the longest nights of the year.

Other names for the December moon include Drift Clearing Moon, Frost Exploding Trees Moon, Moon of the Popping Trees, Hoar Frost Moon, Snow Moon and Winter Maker Moon, according to the almanac.

How long will the full moon be in December?

While the moon reaches its peak early on December 15, it will appear full for several days. According to NASA, on Friday, December 13, about 95% of the near side of the moon will be illuminated by the Sun. On December 14th, 99% of the moon’s front will be illuminated, and on December 15th it will be 100%. On December 16, 98% of the moon will still be illuminated.

This month, NASA also suggests looking for Jupiter, which stands between the nearly full moon and Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus, on December 14th.

NASA says you don’t need binoculars or a telescope to enjoy the view of the Cold Moon. Local forecasts provide detailed information about how clear the night sky will be in different locations where people look for the moon.

The first full moon of 2025 will occur on Monday, January 13th. It is known as the Wolf Moon.