New moon – when is the next new moon?

There is a new moon when the Moon lies almost between Earth and the Sun, so the side facing us is unlit. The new moon is therefore essentially invisible, and the night is at its darkest with no moonlight. Below you can see the upcoming new moons, calculated astronomically.

Why can't you see the new moon?

At new moon the Moon's lit side faces away from Earth, and the Moon also sits close to the Sun in the sky. It is therefore up during the day and sets around sunset. A couple of days after new moon, the thin waxing crescent appears low in the west after sunset.

New moon and stargazing

The nights around new moon are the darkest in the lunar cycle, because there is no moonlight. That makes them ideal for observing stars, meteors and the Milky Way. Between two new moons the Moon passes through full moon and the other moon phases.

See also the moon today with moonrise and moonset for your location, or the whole month in the moon calendar.

Frequently asked questions about the new moon

When is the next new moon?

See the upcoming new moons in the list above. The dates are calculated astronomically and updated continuously.

Why can't you see the new moon?

At new moon the Moon's lit side faces away from Earth, and the Moon sits close to the Sun in the sky. It is therefore essentially invisible and is up during the day.

Upcoming new moons

  • Tuesday 14 July 2026in 26 days
  • Wednesday 12 August 2026in 55 days
  • Friday 11 September 2026in 85 days
  • Saturday 10 October 2026in 114 days
  • Monday 9 November 2026in 144 days
  • Tuesday 8 December 2026in 173 days
Almanac today
Waxing crescent
18% illuminated
Sunrise4:43 AM
Sunset9:21 PM
Day length16 hours 38 minutes
Moonrise8:18 AM
Moonset12:12 AM