The July full Moon—widely known as the Buck Moon—will peak at 15:36 BST on 29 July, marking the second of three full Moons of the summer season. While the exact moment of maximum fullness occurs just below the UK horizon, the Moon will still appear fully illuminated to the naked eye overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Why Is It Called the Buck Moon and Thunder Moon?
Full Moons earned historical nicknames from communities worldwide who relied on lunar cycles to track time and monitor seasonal shifts. The July full Moon receives its primary moniker because its timing coincides with the period when male deer, or bucks, rapidly grow a fresh set of antlers.
Alternative traditional names exist for the same lunar event. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich refers to the phenomenon as the Thunder Moon, a title reflecting the frequent summer storms typical of July. Other historical identifiers include the Hay Moon, which marks the traditional July hay harvest.
UK Weather Outlook for Viewing the 29 July Full Moon
Skywatchers across the UK stand a strong chance of viewing the Buck Moon, based on current forecast models for the night of 29 July. Central, southern, and eastern regions expect largely clear skies, according to meteorological forecasts.
Northern and western parts of the UK may encounter occasional increases in cloud cover, though widespread cloud or prolonged rain remains unlikely. England anticipates settled weather with mostly clear post-dark skies, very mild overnight temperatures, light winds, and minimal patchy cloud. Meanwhile, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland face a mixed outlook featuring variable cloud, isolated showers, and intermittent clear spells. Western Scotland expects the highest concentration of cloud, whereas eastern and northern districts offer better opportunities for clear breaks.
Did You Know?
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich refers to this Moon as the Thunder Moon due to seasonal storm activity, and other names include the Hay Moon following the agricultural hay harvest.
Upcoming Summer Sky Events to Watch
The Buck Moon is one of a number of celestial sights to look for this summer. The Perseid meteor shower remains active through the remainder of July and much of August, reaching its peak overnight on 12 August into the predawn hours of 13 August.
The Perseid peak aligns with a notable solar eclipse on 12 August. This event marks the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Europe since 1999, with totality restricted to Spain and northern Portugal. Observers in the UK will experience a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering approximately 90 percent of the Sun at its maximum. A partial lunar eclipse follows shortly after in the early hours of 28 August.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the July Buck Moon peak?
The Buck Moon peaks at 15:36 BST on 29 July.
Can you see the peak fullness from the UK?
The exact moment of peak fullness occurs while the Moon is just below the UK horizon, but the Moon will still appear completely full to the naked eye overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Why is it named the Buck Moon?
The name stems from the time of year when male deer, or bucks, grow a new set of antlers.
What other names does the July full Moon have?
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich calls it the Thunder Moon due to summer storms, while others know it as the Hay Moon after the July hay harvest.
Where are the best UK weather conditions for viewing?
Central, southern, and eastern areas of the UK have the highest probability of clear skies on the night of 29 July.
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