Beaver Moon is the nickname given to November’s full Moon in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s not an official astronomical term, but a traditional name tied to the time of year when beavers are especially active preparing for winter. What explains the name
- Beavers’ late-year activity: In November, beavers are busy building and storing for winter, which led to the association with this Moon in various folk traditions. This link to beaver behavior is one of the most commonly cited origins.
- Indigenous and colonial naming traditions: Many Native American and early colonial calendars assigned names to full Moons to reflect natural phenomena or seasonal activities, and the Beaver Moon is among those widely cited examples. The Old Farmer’s Almanac and other North American sources have popularized this naming tradition, though exact origins can be diffuse and debated.
- Alternative names: Some sources also refer to November’s full Moon as the Frost Moon, reflecting late autumn conditions in many regions. The choice of name can vary by culture and region.
Notes on viewing
- Be aware that the Beaver Moon is often a "full Moon," and occasionally described as a “supermoon” if it coincides with perigee (the Moon’s closest approach to Earth). In 2025, some outlets describe November’s Beaver Moon as notably bright or larger-than-average due to proximity, but the terms “Beaver Moon” and “Supermoon” are separate concepts (nicknames vs orbital distance).
If you’d like, I can tailor this explanation to a specific region or provide a short viewing guide for this month’s Moon rise and optimal viewing times.
