When December's 'Cold Moon' is most visible and the best way to see it

Lee Grimsditch

13 December 2024 at 5:29 am·2-min read

The Cold Moon will be visible in December — -Credit: (Image: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

This weekend the final full moon of 2024, known as the Cold Moon, will be visible in the UK skies. Parkdean Resorts - who own holiday parks near some of the best UK Cities to stargaze - has shared some advice for those keen to witness this celestial event.

Full moons occur when the Earth aligns between the Moon and the Sun, with the lunar cycle taking approximately 29.5 days, resulting in an average of one full moon per month. The Cold Moon will reach its peak illumination at around 3.30pm on Sunday 15th December 2024.

So, what exactly is the Cold Moon and how can you best view it? The Cold Moon is the term for the first full moon in December and marks the last full moon of 2024. It symbolises the onset of winter and derives its name from the seasonal temperature drop.

Astrologers believe the full moon encourages self-reflection and provides a chance to reflect on the past year while looking forward to the new one. Each month typically sees one full moon, which appears fully lit from our perspective on Earth when our planet is positioned between the Sun and the Moon.

Parkdean say there have been over 7,000 online searches for 'cold moon' in the past month alone, indicating significant interest in this upcoming astronomical event.

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Here are Parkdean Resort's top tips for stargazing to see the Cold Moon

Get up high: The higher you are, the better your chances of a clear sky to view the stars. Take a hike and explore the surroundings to find the perfect stargazing spot! The further you are from light pollution, the better chance you'll have of seeing the stars. Remember, moons always rise in the east and set in the west - so follow this direction in your search.
Research what you’re looking at: Enhance the stargazing experience by downloading the Star Chart app, free on AR-enabled Apple or Android devices. Star Chart allows you to point the camera at the sky and will tell you exactly what is up there.
Use the Time and Date website for the best chance of spotting the planets! Time and Date allows you to input your location, before generating information about when the planets are most visible! With lots of helpful information about what's in the universe, this is a great way to educate the family about the wonders of space.

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Here are Parkdean Resort's top tips for stargazing to see the Cold Moon

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