The Snow Moon is the traditional name given to the full moon in February in the northern hemisphere, named after the heavy snowfalls that historically marked this month in many regions. This Sunday, it will be visible from Madrid in all its splendor, with the lunar disk fully illuminated and visible to the naked eye if the clouds allow it.
It is a “normal” full moon from an astronomical point of view: the moment when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, so that we see the visible face of the satellite fully illuminated. The nickname Snow Moon comes from the traditions of Native American and European peoples, who named each full moon according to what was happening in nature; in February, the dominant feature was heavy snowfall and the difficulty of obtaining food, which is why it was also known as the Hunger Moon. Today, the term has become popular in astronomical calendars and social media, but it does not imply any special change in the brightness or size of the satellite compared to other full moons.
When it will be visible from Madrid
Editorial credit: National Geographic Institute
In 2026, the Snow Moon will reach its full phase on Sunday, February 1, with maximum fullness around 11:09 p.m. Spanish peninsular time. In Madrid, the moon will rise above the horizon at dusk and remain visible throughout the night, with nearly 100% illumination and a path that will gain height as the hours progress. The best times to see it will be from dusk until midnight, when the disk is already high and bright, and again at dawn, when the sky is darker and more stable for those who want to take photos or simply observe it calmly. According to AEMET forecasts, it will be a day of clouds and clear skies, between which the satellite will be visible.
Best viewpoints for seeing the Snow Moon in Madrid
Although the Snow Moon can be seen from any street or balcony, it is worth looking for high points with the clearest possible horizon to escape, as far as possible, from light pollution.
- Cerro del Tío Pío: popularly known as the Siete Tetas park, it is one of the city’s classic viewpoints, with hills overlooking the Madrid skyline and a relatively open sky to the east and south.
- Temple of Debod: its raised platform in front of the Royal Palace offers one of the most famous panoramic views at sunset; when the moon rises over the city, the contrast with the silhouettes of the buildings creates a particularly photogenic scene.
- Surroundings of the Madrid Planetarium (Tierno Galván Park): a large park with hills and esplanades where the impact of streetlights is somewhat reduced and it is easy to find a good spot to sit and look at the sky.
- Paracuellos del Jarama viewpoint: located outside the city center, this is a classic spot among astronomy and night photography enthusiasts due to its open views of the horizon and skyline, ideal if you are looking for a Snow Moon that is free from urban lights.