Fresh off the Aurora Australis show last month, Perth is about to get one last look at a supermoon before the year ticks over.
On Friday, December 5th, the final Supermoon of the year, the Cold Moon, will rise over WA, appearing bigger, brighter, and sharper than a standard full moon. It’s the third in a run of full Supermoons to close out 2025, and the last time this year the Moon will really demand your attention.
If you’re keen to see it properly — or just want an excuse to get outside after dinner — here’s when it’s happening, the best places around Perth to watch it, and when the first full moon of 2026 will follow.
When the final Supermoon will rise over Perth
The Cold Moon reaches full phase over Perth on the morning of Friday, December 5th, just after 7:00 am, but you’ll get the most dramatic views when it rises again that evening at approximately 7:55 pm. Around sunset and into early evening, it will be looking noticeably brighter than usual — the classic “Supermoon” look.
Astronomers expect this Supermoon to appear around 10% larger and much brighter than an average full moon, thanks to its closer-than-usual distance to Earth. So, if you are wondering why the moon seems a bit bigger or brighter tonight? That will be why.
If the clouds cooperate, you’re looking at one of the brightest night-sky moments of 2025.
Best places in Perth to watch the Supermoon
You don’t need a telescope to enjoy this; you just need a clear view to the east as the Moon rises. But a few Perth locations will make it feel extra special.
- Kings Park
- Cottesloe Beach
- South Perth Foreshore
- Scarborough Beach
- Lesmurdie Falls Lookout
Photography tips for capturing the Supermoon
You don’t need to be an astrophotographer to get a decent shot on the night, but here are a few tips to help, even using your phone.
- Aim for moonrise, not midnight. When the Moon is low on the horizon, it looks larger and more dramatic against buildings, trees, or the coastline.
- Include a foreground. Use a person, a skyline, a jetty, or a tree to give the Moon context. It instantly looks bigger and more impressive.
- Tap to focus, then drop exposure. On most phones, tap the Moon and drag the exposure slider down a little so it doesn’t blow out into a white blob.
- Keep it steady. Lean on a railing, rest your phone on a ledge, or use a tripod if you’ve got one. The less shake, the sharper the shot.
- Shoot wide and crop later. Digital zoom kills detail. Take a wider shot at full resolution, then crop in when you’re editing.
When will Perth see its first Supermoon of 2026
If the weather doesn’t play nicely tonight, the good news is you won’t be waiting long for another big lunar moment.
The first full moon of 2026 arrives on Saturday, January 3rd, and early forecasts label it as a Supermoon as well, kicking off the new year with another bright, oversized moon in the night sky.
