Tonia Graves
Audio By Carbonatix
Skywatchers can wrap up the year with one last lunar spectacle tonight, when December’s full moon delivers the year’s final supermoon. The so-called “Cold” supermoon peaks on Thursday night, shining larger and brighter than a typical full moon.
Like the earlier supermoons of 2025, this one will be both striking and impossible to ignore. The moon will reach its closest point to Earth of the month, boosting its size and glow in the night sky.
Local skywatchers are also in an ideal spot to see it. Arizona is one of the best places in the country to catch the show. The state was recently ranked the second-best spot in the U.S. to view the December supermoon under clear desert skies.
Here’s when to see the December supermoon in Arizona this week.
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When is the next full moon?
The next full moon occurs on Thursday, Dec. 4. It also doubles as December’s supermoon.
What is December’s full moon called?
The December full moon is known as the Cold Moon. The nickname reflects the chilly nights that occur across North America during this time of year.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon happens when a full moon hits perigee, or its nearest point to the Earth. The end result is that the phenomenon makes the moon look noticeably bigger and brighter than average. It also lights up the night sky with brilliant illumination.
How close is the supermoon?
The December 2025 supermoon will be approximately 221,966 miles from Earth at its closest approach.
What time is the December supermoon?
The December supermoon will rise in Arizona at 4:58 p.m., according the the website Time and Date. It will reach peak brightness at 12:41 a.m., when the moon climbs to its highest point in the night sky.
Where is the supermoon in Arizona?
It will rise in the eastern/northeastern sky in Arizona at moonrise. As the evening progresses, the full moon climbs higher and shifts south.
Where’s the best place to see the supermoon?
During moonrise, head for an open area with clear views of the horizon. Desert viewpoints, parks and higher elevations deliver the clearest sightlines.
What will the viewing conditions be in Arizona for this week’s supermoon?
Forecasts call for mostly clear skies across Arizona on Thursday night, setting up reasonably good viewing conditions for the December supermoon. Some clouds are possible in spots, but the ridiculously bright full moon should still be easy to see.
