Des Moines, Iowa – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare and visually striking night-sky event across Iowa 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 wide-open farmland and crisp January air, Iowa could offer some of the clearest and most dramatic viewing conditions in the central U.S.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 4 a.m. CST, but the most impressive viewing comes later that day. In central Iowa, including Des Moines, sunset occurs shortly before 5 p.m., with moonrise following soon after during early twilight. That timing places the moonrise 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 occurs near perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth. That alignment allows the moon to appear up to 14 percent larger and roughly 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. Observers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Davenport, Waterloo, Ames, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City should see the moon rise Saturday evening and climb high into the night sky, remaining visible for hours.
The Wolf Moon takes 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 Iowa one of the longest viewing windows compared to later months.
For the best view, skywatchers are encouraged to face east at moonrise from an open field, hilltop, rural roadway, or river bluff with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening offers the most dramatic contrast and photo opportunities. Clear skies will be key. After this weekend, another supermoon will not return until late 2026, making this a standout way to begin the New Year across Iowa.
