This year's buck moon will reach its peak illumination at 4:37 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, July 10, 2025. While that timing means it won't be visible in its fullest phase for many viewers until after sunset, the moon will still appear nearly full and luminous throughout the evening and is best caught shortly after moon rise.

White-tailed deer start growing antlers in March or April as the days start to lengthen. July marks the peak of their antler growth season, hence the name Buck Moon. Thunderstorms are also common in July, which is why it's also called the Thunder Moon.

July 2025's full moon, often called the Buck Moon, is on its way; meteor showers also among July's astronomical highlights