Full Moon Chicago 2024

Chicago, with its striking skyline and vast lakefront, offers a variety of beautiful settings to enjoy the full moon.

When is Full Moon in Chicago, Illinois, USA in the year 2024

  • Thursday, January 25, 2024, around 11:54 AM
  • Saturday, February 24, 2024, around 06:30 AM
  • Monday, March 25, 2024, around 01:58 AM

  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024, around 05:47 PM
  • Thursday, May 23, 2024, around 07:52 AM
  • Friday, June 21, 2024, around 07:08 PM
  • Sunday, July 21, 2024, around 04:15 AM

  • Monday, August 19, 2024, around 12:24 PM
  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024, around 08:33 PM
  • Thursday, October 17, 2024, around 05:26 AM
  • Friday, November 15, 2024, around 03:29 PM
  • Sunday, December 15, 2024, around 03:00 AM ​

Moonlight Majesty: Chicago’s Best Spots to Watch the Full Moon

Chicago Full Moon Cloud Gate
Chicago Full Moon Cloud Gate

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful park, a bustling beach, or an impressive cityscape, the Windy City provides a unique and stunning backdrop for a night under the lunar glow. Here are some of the best places in Chicago to watch the full moon and experience its captivating beauty.

  1. Adler Planetarium: Positioned on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Adler Planetarium offers not only educational insights into the cosmos but also one of the best views of Chicago’s skyline. The area around the planetarium is perfect for watching the full moon rise over the lake and illuminate the city.
  2. North Avenue Beach: This popular beach provides a fantastic view of the full moon as it reflects off Lake Michigan. With the city’s lights twinkling in the background and the soothing sound of the waves, it’s a perfect spot for a moonlit stroll or a peaceful evening on the sand.
  3. Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (The Magic Hedge): Known as The Magic Hedge, this tranquil spot offers a clear view of the sky and the city. It’s a bit more secluded, making it an ideal location for those looking to enjoy the full moon away from the crowds.
  4. 360 Chicago Observation Deck: Located in the John Hancock Center, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and beyond. Watching the full moon from this vantage point, 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile, is an experience you won’t forget.
  5. Lincoln Park: Spanning several miles along the lakefront, Lincoln Park offers numerous spots to watch the full moon. Whether you’re near the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the North Pond, or the South Pond, you’ll find serene settings and beautiful reflections of the moon on the water.
  6. Navy Pier: Extending into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier offers a vibrant atmosphere and a clear view of the sky. As the full moon rises, enjoy the sight from the pier, or consider taking a nighttime boat cruise for a different perspective of the moon over the city and water.
  7. The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail): This elevated trail and park provide an urban escape with great views of Chicago’s neighborhoods and the night sky. Walking along The 606 during a full moon offers a unique way to experience the city’s green space and architecture under the lunar light.
  8. Cloud Gate (The Bean): In the heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park lies one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Cloud Gate, commonly known as “The Bean.” This reflective, bean-shaped sculpture offers a unique and mesmerizing way to view the full moon in Chicago.

When planning your full moon viewing in Chicago, remember to check the lunar calendar and the local weather forecast. Also, consider bringing a comfortable blanket or chair, some warm drinks, and perhaps a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Each location offers a different perspective of the moon over Chicago, so why not explore a different spot each month? Let the enchanting beauty of the full moon nights in Chicago guide you to moments of wonder and tranquility!

Dates of the Full Moon for other cities and regions