First of all let me say that The Farmers Almanac has become , a favorite "yard sale find", next only to insulators.
Though July will always be the 'firefly moon' to me, i must admit i have seen more than the usual number of young bucks, and does with fawns browsing along the greenery where lawn meets the deep woods, not sure why there have been so many this year, perhaps because of the late summer, certainly not because of the nearly non existent berry crop....
July 2026: Full Buck Moon, Summer Gardens, Meteor Showers, and Midsummer Weather Lore
July is high summer in full swing. Gardens are heavy with vegetables, fireflies glow after dusk, thunderstorms rumble on humid afternoons, and warm evenings invite us outdoors long after supper. In 2026, July also brings a special patriotic milestone: the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.
Moon Phases for July 2026
All times below are listed in Eastern Daylight Time.
- Last Quarter Moon: Tuesday, July 7, 3:29 p.m.
- New Moon: Tuesday, July 14, 5:43 a.m.
- First Quarter Moon: Tuesday, July 21, 7:05 a.m.
- Full Buck Moon: Wednesday, July 29, 10:36 a.m.
The July Full Moon reaches peak illumination during the morning hours in North America, so the best time to enjoy it will be after sunset on Wednesday, July 29, and again on Thursday, July 30, when the Moon will still appear nearly full.
Why Is It Called the Full Buck Moon?
July’s Full Moon is traditionally known as the Buck Moon because this is the season when antler groth is most dramatic when antlers grow rapidly covered with 'velvet' which contains, nerves and bloodvessels which nourish a the antlers as they grow. While the antlers are still in velvet they are composed of cartilage, which turns to bone.
The full moon of July has many names, including the Buck Moon, with alternative names including Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, and Wort Moon.
So on this this evening, a cloudy one at that, i an watching the skyline waiting to catch a glimpse of the waxing gibbous moon in the southeast.
Good night and peaceful slumbers to all.
