The first full moon of summer, June's Strawberry Moon, wowed skywatchers worldwide with a spectacular display.
June's full moon was the lowest-hanging full moon of the year for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. That's because a full moon always sits opposite the sun in the sky. During the summer solstice that just passed on June 21, the sun was following its highest path of the year; that means this full moon took the opposite route, skimming low across the southern sky.
It rose in the southeast, remained low above the horizon throughout the night and set in the southwest, delighting photographers around the world. Here are some of the best photos.
Photographer Davide Pischettola captured the Strawberry Moon behind the sailing ship Nave Italia in the Port of Molfetta, Italy, on June 29, 2026.
Strawberry Moon, Port of Molfetta, Italy, June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Davide Pischettola/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The June Full moon rises behind the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building in New York City in this vibrant image captured by photographer Gary Hershorn.
June's full moon beside the Empire State Building, June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images))
Hershorn was also in the right place at the right time to capture this well-positioned photograph of the Strawberry Moon atop the Empire State Building.
The Strawberry Moon appears to sit atop the Empire State Building on June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
Even Lady Liberty appeared to embrace the Strawberry Moon in another striking image by Hershorn, with the full moon seemingly cradled in the Statue of Liberty's hand.
Strawberry Moon and the Statue of Liberty, June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, in California, photographer Tayfun Coskun captured the Strawberry Moon emerging above San Francisco Bay in dramatic fashion.
June's full moon rises over San Francisco Bay in Foster City, California on June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images))
The Strawberry Moon peeked through a thin layer of cloud as it rose above an ornate rooftop in Meishan, China.
June's full moon captured from Meishan, China, on June 29, 2026. (Image credit: VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
The rich orange Strawberry Moon looks particularly striking in this image captured in Qingzhou, China, on June 29, 2026.
Full moon captured from Qingzhou, China, on June 29, 2026. (Image credit: VCG/VCG via Getty Images))
Photographer Robert Nemeti captured this dark and moody image of the Strawberry Moon rising above a Reformed Church in Abaújvár, Hungary, from a vantage point just across the border near Kechnec, Slovakia.
The June full moon over a Reformed Church, Abaújvár, Hungary. Captured from just across the border near Kechnec, Slovakia. (Image credit: Robert Nemeti/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A glowing Strawberry Moon rises behind the ancient Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion in this remarkable image captured by photographer Ayhan Mehmet.
The full moon rises behind the ancient Temple of Poseidon, Greece, on June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Ayhan Mehmet/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Photographer Veysel Altun captured the June full moon rising above a dolphin sculpture on the waterfront in Samsun, Turkiye.
Strawberry Moon captured from Samsun, Turkiye on June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Veysel Altun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
A curious feline stole the spotlight as photographer Osmancan Gurdogan captured the Strawberry Moon rising over the skyline of Istanbul, Turkiye.
The Strawberry Moon and a captivated admirer, Istanbul, Turkiye, June 29, 2026. (Image credit: Osmancan Gurdogan/Anadolu via Getty Images)
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will occur on July 29 and is known as the Buck Moon.
If you're looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the moon, our guides for the best binocular deals and the best telescope deals are here to help. Interested in capturing the night sky? Check out our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
Fancy taking a more in-depth moonlit tour of our rocky companion? Our ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next skywatching venture, whether it be exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain, or the many craters that blanket the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo landing sites observing guide.
