Why it's called the Wolf Moon
January's full moon is the Wolf Moon — a name usually traced to a time when wolves howled long and often in the hungry depths of midwinter. The howling was long read as hunger, though biologists now know it is mostly about territory and keeping the pack together.
The name travelled into modern use through colonial American almanacs, which mixed Native American, Anglo-Saxon and European month-names into the list most of us use today. Older alternatives include the Ice Moon and the Old Moon.
The Wolf Moon in the sky
The Wolf Moon rides higher across the sky than any other full moon of the year. A full moon sits opposite the sun, so when the January sun is at its lowest, the full moon arcs at its highest — long, bright, snow-lit nights.
What the Wolf Moon means
As the first full moon of the year, the Wolf Moon carries a "protect what matters" tone in modern moon practice: the year's intentions are new, the nights are long, and the work is to guard your energy rather than spend it.
When is the next Wolf Moon?
22 January 2027 at 12:18 UTC.
Why is it called the Wolf Moon?
From the old association between January and wolves howling in midwinter. The name entered common use via early American almanacs blending Native American and European month-names.
Is the Wolf Moon special astronomically?
It is typically the highest-riding full moon of the year: with the January sun at its lowest, the opposing full moon crosses the sky at its highest point.