June is almost over, but not before treating us to the first full moon of summer: the Strawberry Moon reaches its peak in the early hours of Tuesday, June 30, at 12:57 a.m. However, it will still appear “full” the following night.
Despite its romantic name, the Moon does not take on pink hues. However , in the Northern Hemisphere, this Full Moon is different from the others because it is lower in the sky.
The Origin of the Strawberry Moon
As in other cases, the name ‘Strawberry Moon’ is associated with the Native American tribes who, around this time of year, linked the Moon to the wild strawberry harvest season .
However, as mentioned earlier, the Moon does not turn pink. In fact, in Portugal, it may take on a more orange or golden hue at sunrise.
The best way to observe it
To observe the Strawberry Moon, it’s best to look for places away from city light pollution or, alternatively, choose spots that are a little higher up with an unobstructed view, such as the Graça Viewpoint and the Senhora do Monte Viewpoint.
Upcoming Full Moons
If weather conditions impair visibility of the first full moon of summer 2026, there are two more opportunities during the warm season:
- Deer Moon, July 29
- Sturgeon Moon, August 28.
