What is the strawberry moon?
The strawberry moon is the popular name for the full moon in June. The term originally comes from the North American Algonquin Indians, for whom it marked the start of the strawberry harvest. It has nothing to do with the color of the moon, but with the seasonal reference.
Why is the Strawberry Moon 2025 particularly spectacular?
The full moon in 2025 is particularly low above the horizon – the lowest full moon in around 18.6 years in the northern hemisphere – which makes it appear warmer and larger in the atmosphere. The tropospheric light scattering causes its golden to reddish light. This spectacular event is a rarity that will not occur again in a similar form until 2043.
When is the next strawberry moon?
- Evening of June 10, 2025: Moonrise at around 22:00 CEST
- Morning of June 11, 2025: Moonset at around 05:00 CEST
Where is the best place to see it?
- Places with a clear view of the horizon (e.g. fields, lakes, hills)
- As little light pollution as possible
- East view for moonrise, west view for moonset
- Good places: rural regions, viewpoints, roof terraces
Tips for photography
- Equipment: Camera with zoom (at least 200 mm), tripod, remote shutter release if necessary
- Apps for planning: Photopills, Stellarium, The Photographer’s Ephemeris
- Composition: Include foregrounds such as trees or buildings
- Long exposure at dusk for atmospheric images
When will the next strawberry moon take place after 2025?
After 2025, the next strawberry moon will take place as usual.
- Regularity: The strawberry moon always falls on the full moon in June – i.e. once a year.
- Minute differences: Depending on the time zone, the exact time may vary slightly (CEST, possibly summer/winter time).
2025 | June 11 | 09:44 am | Lowest full moon since 2006 |
2026 | June 30 | 01:56 am | Normal full moon |
Why does the strawberry moon turn reddish and appear so large?
The moon is always low above the horizon, which makes it appear particularly large and golden-reddish (optical illusion due to light scattering).
When the moon is low on the horizon, its light has to travel a particularly long way through the earth’s atmosphere. This filters out the short-wave blue light components in particular – similar to sunset. What remains is mainly reddish to orange-colored light, which we then see in the sky.
This warm hue is further enhanced by the so-called moon illusion: the moon appears larger and more impressive to us near the horizon, although its actual size does not change.
Does the strawberry moon influence our sleep?
The strawberry moon, like every full moon, can actually have an effect on our sleep – even if this effect is scientifically controversial. Many people report more restless sleep, more vivid dreams or a general change in sleep patterns around the full moon.
Important facts about the strawberry moon:
- Time: Always takes place at the full moon in June.
- Name: Has to do with the ripening time of the strawberries – not with a reddish color.
- Color: The moon can appear slightly reddish, but only when it is low on the horizon – this is due to the scattering of light in the atmosphere, not specifically the month.
- Alternative names (from other cultures): Rose Moon, Honey Moon.
Astronomically speaking:
- The strawberry moon is a completely normal full moon.
- It can be particularly low in the sky, which makes it appear larger (optical illusion, “moon illusion”).
- When it coincides with the summer solstice, it can be particularly impressive.
Spiritual & symbolic meaning
- Stands for gratitude, fulfillment and emotional maturity
- Often associated with letting go and new beginnings at the summer solstice
- Popular in rituals, meditations and astrological interpretations
Conclusion
The Strawberry Moon 2025 is an astronomical highlight – rare, atmospheric and photogenic. Those who experience it will not only see a particularly low full moon, but also a natural phenomenon with centuries-old symbolism. Whether with the naked eye or through a camera – this summer moon is the perfect occasion for a magical night outdoors.