First Quarter Moon November 2025
The First Quarter Moon of November 2025 occurs on Friday, November 28, 2025.
A First Quarter Moon shows half of the Moon's Earth-facing side lit by the Sun - the right half from the Northern Hemisphere - and rises around midday.
What Is a First Quarter Moon?
A First Quarter Moon occurs roughly a week after the new moon, when the Moon has completed a quarter of its orbit around Earth. The Sun, Earth, and Moon form a 90-degree angle, and exactly half of the Moon's Earth-facing side is illuminated.
This phase is sometimes simply called a 'half moon' in everyday language, although technically the Moon is only one-quarter through its full cycle.
When to See It
A First Quarter Moon rises around noon and sets around midnight, so it is highest and easiest to observe in the late afternoon and evening. Like the Third Quarter, it is one of the best phases for observing craters and mountains along the lunar terminator with binoculars or a small telescope.
All November 2025 Moon Phases
- Full Moon (Beaver Moon): Wednesday, November 5
- Third Quarter: Wednesday, November 12
- New Moon: Thursday, November 20
- First Quarter: Friday, November 28
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the First Quarter Moon in November 2025?
The First Quarter Moon falls on Friday, November 28, 2025.
What time does a First Quarter Moon rise?
It rises around noon local time and sets around midnight.
Why is it called a quarter moon if it looks half lit?
It is called a quarter moon because the Moon has completed one-quarter of its orbit around Earth, even though half of its visible face is illuminated.