Los Angeles, California – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare and visually stunning night-sky event across California as the Wolf Moon rises as a supermoon, giving residents their final chance to see a full moon this large and bright until the end of 2026. With generally clear winter skies and expansive coastal and desert horizons, California is well positioned for one of the most dramatic moonrises in the country.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 2:03 a.m. PST, but the most eye-catching viewing comes later that day. In Southern California, including Los Angeles, sunset occurs just before 5 p.m., with moonrise following around 5:25 p.m. during early twilight. That timing places the moonrise squarely in the blue-hour window, when the moon appears oversized and richly colored as it lifts above the eastern horizon.
This full moon qualifies as a supermoon because it aligns closely with perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth. That proximity allows it to appear up to 14 percent larger and roughly 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. Viewers in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, and across the Inland Empire should see the moon rise Saturday evening and remain visible well into the night. Across Northern California, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento, similar timing will place the moonrise shortly after sunset with excellent viewing conditions if skies remain clear.
The Wolf Moon gets its name from winter folklore tied to the howling of wolves during the coldest weeks of the year. January’s full moon also rides higher across the sky than any other full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, giving California a longer viewing window than later months.
For the best view, skywatchers should face east at moonrise from an open beach, desert overlook, hillside, or elevated viewpoint with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening delivers the most dramatic contrast and photo-worthy moments. After this weekend, another supermoon will not return until late 2026, making this a memorable way to begin the New Year across California.
