The full Moon for September 2020 is the Full Corn Moon! (This year, the Harvest Moon will be in October instead.) Learn how the Corn Moon got its name—plus, see Moon phase dates, Best Days by the Moon, folklore, and more!

When to See the Full Moon in September 2020

This year, start looking for September’s full Corn Moon just after sunset on Tuesday, September 1, as it rises high and reaches its peak illumination at 1:23 A.M. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 2.

Not a Harvest Moon This Year

Expecting the Harvest Moon this month? You’re not alone!

The full Moon that happens nearest to the autumnal equinox (September 22 or 23) always takes on the name “Harvest Moon” instead of a traditional name—a rule that often places the Harvest Moon in the month of September. However, when September’s full Moon occurs early in the month, the full Moon of early October lands nearest to the autumnal equinox and therefore takes on the Harvest Moon title instead.

That’s the case in 2020, when October will experience two full Moons: one on October 1 (the Harvest Moon) and the other on the 31st (the Hunter’s Moon and a Blue Moon, too)! Learn more about the Harvest Moon.

Why Is It Called the Corn Moon?

Historically, some Native Americans gave a name to each month’s full Moon, naming it in relation to a natural event or sign of the season. This aided them in tracking the progression of the year. Different peoples had different names, reflecting the areas where they lived.

One such name for the September full Moon was the Full Corn Moon because it traditionally corresponded with the time of harvesting corn in what is now the northeastern United States. It was also called the Barley Moon, as this is the time to harvest and thresh ripened barley.

Other full Moon names for this month include:

“ Moon When the Plums Are Scarlet ” by the Lakota Sioux.

” by the Lakota Sioux. “ Moon When the Deer Paw the Earth ” by the Omaha.

” by the Omaha. “Moon When the Calves Grow Hair” by the Sioux.

Where Do Full Moons Names Come From?

The tradition of naming Moons is rich in history. Here at The Old Farmer’s Almanac, we have long honored the Native American full Moon names and the folklore of those who came before us. We follow the full Moon names that were used during Native American and Colonial times to help track the seasons—usually by the Algonquin people who were prominent along the Atlantic Coast and into the interior along the St. Lawrence River and around the Great Lakes.

Learn more about Full Moon names and their traditional meanings.

Moon Phases for September 2020

Here are Moon phase dates and times (EDT) for the month of September. Check our Moon Phase Calendar for dates and times in your city.

Full Moon: September 2, 1:23 A.M. EDT Last Quarter: September 10, 5:26 A.M. EDT New Moon: September 17, 7:00 A.M. EDT First Quarter: September 23, 9:55 P.M. EDT

When is the next full Moon? Consult our Full Moon Calendar to find out.

September Full Moon Video

Why does the Moon ride high or low in the sky? Find out the answer to this question—and learn more about September’s Full Moon—in this entertaining video.

Photo Credit: Almanac reader, Robin Osbon

Best Days in September 2020

Below are the best days for activities, based on the Moon’s sign and phase in September.

For Harvesting:

Aboveground crops: 17, 24, 25

Belowground crops: 6, 7, 8

For Canning and Pickling:

11, 12

For Fishing:

September 17–October 1

See Best Days for more activities.

Moon Facts & Folklore

Usually, the Moon rises about 50 minutes later each day, but around the time of the autumnal equinox, it rises only around 30 minutes later in the United States—even less in Canada.

Frost occurring in the dark of the moon kills fruit buds and blossoms, but frost in the light of the moon will not.

Are you a full Moon lover? Share your thoughts below!