A Blue Moon happens about once every 2.5 to 3 years, and it is defined in two ways: as the second full moon in a single calendar month (monthly Blue Moon) or as the third full moon in a season that has four full moons (seasonal Blue Moon). The next Blue Moon will occur on May 31, 2026, and it will be a monthly Blue Moon. The next seasonal Blue Moon after that will take place on May 20, 2027.
Types of Blue Moons
- Monthly Blue Moon: The second full moon within a single calendar month, occurring roughly every 2.5 years.
- Seasonal Blue Moon: The third full moon in an astronomical season that has four full moons instead of the usual three.
Frequency and Color
- Blue Moons occur about once every 2.5 to 3 years.
- Despite the name, the Moon does not actually appear blue in color during a Blue Moon. Atmospheric conditions can sometimes give the Moon a blue hue, but this is unrelated to the Blue Moon phenomenon itself.
Thus, the next time to expect a Blue Moon is May 31, 2026.
