July's full moon — named for the velvet antlers male deer grow each summer, not its colour. The lore, why it rides low and golden, and how to see it.
Short answer
The Buck Moon is July's full moon, named for the velvet antlers male deer (bucks) regrow in early summer in Native American tradition — not its colour. Like June's Strawberry Moon it rides low across the sky and often glows amber near the horizon. Also called the Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon.
When is the Buck Moon?
July's full moon — the date shifts a little each year.See 2026 calendar
Why "Buck"?
The name comes from Algonquin and other Native American traditions. Early summer is when male deer — bucks — push out their new antlers, which they shed and regrow every year; by July they grow fast in soft velvet. The same moon is also called the Thunder Moon for July's frequent storms, and the Hay Moon for the haymaking season.
What it looks like
July's full moon falls just after the summer solstice, so — like June's Strawberry Moon — it sits opposite a high Sun and takes one of the lowest paths of the year across the southern sky. A low Moon shines through more atmosphere, picking up a warm amber-gold tint near the horizon, and the 'moon illusion' can make it look strikingly large at moonrise.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Buck Moon a supermoon?
Only in some years — when July's full moon falls near perigee. The name refers to the season, not the Moon's distance, so the two only sometimes coincide.
What's the difference between the Buck and Strawberry Moons?
They're consecutive summer full moons: the Strawberry Moon is June's (the lowest of the year) and the Buck Moon is July's, riding almost as low. Both look large and golden at moonrise.