July’s full moon — the first of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere — will reach peak illumination at 4:38 p.m. EST on Thursday, with best viewing during predawn and after dark.

This year's buck moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, July 10, 2025. While that timing means it won't be visible in its fullest phase for many viewers until after sunset, the moon will still appear nearly full and luminous throughout the evening and is best caught shortly after moon rise.

As the farthest full moon from the sun all year and one of the lowest in the sky, this year's Buck Moon is a special one