The Strawberry Moon, June’s full moon, graces the sky on June 11, 2025, at its peak at 5:30 AM IST, but the real visual spectacle begins after sunset on June 10–11, around 7:15–8:00 PM IST in India.
Named by Native Americans to mark wild strawberry harvests, it doesn’t turn pink—but gets a warm golden-orange glow when low, thanks to atmospheric magic.
A rare major lunar standstill, cycling every 18.6 years, means this moon will ride lower in the sky than in almost 20 years—and won’t do it again until 2043.
Stunning photos popped up globally—from the Empire State Building to the Acropolis, Parthenon, Turkey, Australia, and beyond.
What Makes the 2025 Strawberry Moon Special?
This year’s full moon coincides with a major lunar standstill, giving us:
- Lowest moonrise in nearly 20 years: It hugs the horizon, peeking slowly over trees, buildings, and mountain ridges.
- Golden-orange hue: As it rises, its light passes through more atmosphere, scattering blues and leaving warm colors.
- Larger visual size: Low and big—it’s a perfect storm for moon photography.
As one article put it, this is “once‑in‑a‑generation realness.”
When & Where to Watch in India
- Date: Night of June 10–11, 2025
- Best time: Shortly after sunset, between 7:15 and 8:00 PM, when the moon begins to climb in the southeastern sky.
- Peak illumination: Around 5:30 AM IST, though the magic is at moonrise.
- Where: Visible across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, etc. Just get above light pollution in an open-and-clear southeast horizon.
Global Viewing Highlights
- USA: Moonrise ~8:30 PM EDT (NY) or 8:00 PM PDT (LA); peak ~3:44–3:45 AM EDT.
- Europe & UK: Visible just after sunset on June 10–11, glowing behind landmarks like the Shard in London, Acropolis in Athens, and Valletta in Malta.
- Middle East: Captured rising behind minarets and towering mosques at stunning horizon-level angles.
Photography Tips
- Location: Find an unobstructed southeastern horizon away from bright lights.
- Equipment: Use a DSLR/mirrorless with a long lens (200mm+), plus a tripod for stability.
- Timing: Shoot during moonrise, around 7:15–8:00 PM IST (or local equivalents).
- Technique: Exposure: ISO 100–400, f/8, shutter speed ~1/60s; bracket shots for best results.
- Atmosphere: The warm moon pops best through slight haze—post-rain skies can enhance color.
The June 2025 Strawberry Moon is no ordinary full moon—it’s a mash-up of ancient folklore, astronomy’s rare rhythms, and stunning optics. If you missed this one, your next chance won’t come until 2043.
So grab your binoculars—or better yet, your camera—and treat yourself to this cosmic cupcake. Your IG feed will thank you.
Bookmark-Worthy Summary
- Date/Time: June 10–11, after sunset (~7:15–8 PM IST), peak at ~5:30 AM IST
- Special feature: Warning—this moon rides ridiculously low
- Why it glows: Atmospheric filter = golden drama
- Next show: 2043
- Best viewing: Clear eastern horizon, low light pollution
- Don’t miss: Shots around landmarks + moonrise ends for major photo ops
