By Sunita Poudel, certified sound healer, Kathmandu · Reviewed by Sunita Poudel on 19 October 2026 · Last updated 19 October 2026
The October 2026 full moon is on 26 October at 04:12 UTC, which is 12:12 AM EDT and 9:12 PM PDT on 25 October. Known as the Hunter’s Moon, it is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon. In Nepal it falls at the close of Dashain, alongside Kojagrat Purnima, a night of gratitude and staying awake.
October 2026 full moon at a glance
- Exact full moon: Monday 26 October 2026, 04:12 UTC
- Name: the Hunter’s Moon
- Supermoon? No. The next supermoon is the Beaver Moon on 24 November 2026.
- In Nepal: Kojagrat Purnima, the last day of the Dashain festival season
- Theme for reflection: gathering in, gratitude and clearing space before winter
Each month I share the meaning of the full moon and a simple way to mark it. This month’s full moon is a special one for me, because in Nepal it closes our biggest festival season. Below you will find the exact time where you live, what the Hunter’s Moon means, how we observe this night in Kathmandu, and a short ritual you can do at home.
When is the full moon in October 2026?
The moon is exactly full on Monday 26 October 2026 at 04:12 UTC. Because the moon looks full for about three nights, the evenings of 25, 26 and 27 October are all good times to step outside and see it.
| Location | Local time of the full moon |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles (PDT) | Sunday 25 October, 9:12 PM |
| New York (EDT) | Monday 26 October, 12:12 AM |
| London (GMT) | Monday 26 October, 4:12 AM |
| Kathmandu (NPT) | Monday 26 October, 9:57 AM |
| Sydney (AEDT) | Monday 26 October, 3:12 PM |
Times are based on the astronomical full moon published by Star Walk. Note that clocks in the UK change back on 25 October, which is why London is on GMT.
Why is the October full moon called the Hunter’s Moon?
The name comes from the traditional autumn hunting season in the Northern Hemisphere. It is the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, which was on 26 September this year. Once the fields had been harvested, the land was open, and the bright moonlight gave extra hours of light in the evening to hunt and prepare food for winter.
The name reminds us of a season of preparation: gathering in what we need and letting the rest fall away, like the leaves at this time of year.
What does the October full moon mean in Nepal?
In Nepal, the October full moon closes Dashain, our biggest festival, with Kojagrat Purnima. In 2026, Kojagrat Purnima is observed on the night of Sunday 25 October in Nepal, as the full moon day begins on the Nepali calendar.
Kojagrat comes from the words “Ko jagarti?”, meaning “Who is awake?”. Traditionally, families worship Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and many people stay awake through the night. The belief is that Laxmi visits homes on this night and blesses those who are awake. It also marks the end of the Dashain season, when elders give tika and blessings to the younger members of the family.
These are living traditions rather than scientific ideas, and I share them so you can understand the meaning of this night in Nepal. You can read more in our festivals and blessings section.
What should you reflect on at this full moon?
This full moon invites you to notice what you have gathered this year and what you are ready to clear before winter. Both the Hunter’s Moon and Kojagrat Purnima carry the same quiet message: be grateful for what you have, and prepare for the season ahead.
Try these three prompts this month:
- What have I “harvested” this year: lessons, relationships, small wins?
- What do I want to clear out before the colder, darker months begin?
- What one thing would make my home or my days feel more abundant, without buying anything?
A simple ritual for the October 2026 full moon
This month, add a gratitude focus to the basic four-step full moon ritual. For the full step-by-step version, see my full moon ritual for reflection and release. Here is how to adapt it for October:
- Light a lamp. In Nepal, lamps are lit for Laxmi on Kojagrat Purnima. A single candle or lamp is a simple way to mark the night.
- Reflect on your harvest. Spend seven minutes writing about the prompts above.
- Clear one thing. Choose one habit, worry or object you are ready to let go of before winter.
- Stay awake a little longer, mindfully. Instead of scrolling, spend ten quiet minutes with the moon or with a sound practice such as my full moon meditation. Then go to bed at your usual time to protect your sleep.
Rest matters around the full moon: research has found people tend to go to bed later and sleep a little less in the nights before it. If you notice the same, our sleep guides may help.
If you like to use sound in your moon practice, you can explore the full moon bowls I select, which are hand-hammered in Nepal on full moon nights. To keep a short daily practice going until the next full moon, try the free 30-day routine calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is the full moon in October 2026?
The October 2026 full moon is on Monday 26 October at 04:12 UTC. In the United States that is 12:12 AM EDT on 26 October, or 9:12 PM PDT on Sunday 25 October.
Why is it called the Hunter’s Moon?
It is named after the traditional autumn hunting season in the Northern Hemisphere. As the first full moon after the Harvest Moon, it arrived when fields were cleared and its light helped people hunt and prepare for winter.
Is the October 2026 full moon a supermoon?
No. The October 2026 Hunter’s Moon does not meet the supermoon criteria. The next supermoon is the Beaver Moon on 24 November 2026.
What is Kojagrat Purnima?
Kojagrat Purnima is the full moon that ends the Dashain festival season in Nepal. Families worship Goddess Laxmi, and many stay awake through the night, following the tradition that Laxmi blesses those who are awake. In 2026 it is observed on the night of 25 October in Nepal.
What should I do on the October full moon?
Light a candle, reflect on what you have gathered this year, choose one thing to clear before winter, and spend a few quiet minutes with the moon. Then rest at your usual time.
About the author
Sunita Poudel is a certified sound healer in Kathmandu, Nepal. She holds Advanced Sound Healing & Therapy (Golden Temple Singing Bowl & Healing Center, 2017), Advanced Sound Healing, 12 Chakra (Mandala Studio Yoga & Spa, 2018) and Reiki Level 1 (Empowered Academy, 2020) certifications, and has led more than 1,500 sessions.
Sunita co-founded Dharma Tool and selects every instrument it sells. Read her full story →
Sources
- Astronomical full moon time, Hunter’s Moon name and supermoon status: Star Walk; time cross-checked with TheSkyLive.
- Lunar cycle and sleep: Casiraghi L, et al. Science Advances, 2021. Summary: University of Washington News.
- Kojagrat Purnima date and traditions: Nepali calendar, confirmed by Sunita Poudel in Kathmandu.
This article is for general education and reflection. See our health disclaimer.
