Minneapolis, Minnesota – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare and striking night-sky event across Minnesota 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 cold January air often delivering clearer skies, viewing conditions could be especially sharp across the state.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 4 a.m. CST, but the most dramatic viewing opportunity comes later that day. In the Twin Cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, sunset occurs shortly after 4:35 p.m., with moonrise following during early twilight. That timing places the moonrise in the prime blue-hour window, when the moon appears larger, brighter, and more vivid 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 a typical full moon. Observers in Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, and across central and northern Minnesota should see the moon rise Saturday evening and remain visible for much of the night, climbing especially high in the sky compared to later full moons.
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 hangs higher across the sky than any other full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, giving Minnesota one of the longest viewing windows nationwide.
For the best view, skywatchers are encouraged to face east at moonrise from an open field, frozen lake, river valley, or elevated overlook with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening offers the most dramatic contrast against fading daylight. Clear skies will be key. After this weekend, another supermoon will not return until late 2026, making this a memorable way to open the New Year across Minnesota.
