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Moon Phase in Sydney Today

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 · Australia

Waning Crescent

30% illuminated

Tonight’s Moon in Sydney

Moonrise1:18 AM
Moonset1:37 PM
Peak Altitude60°
DirectionN

Best viewing at 7:45 AM facing N · 60° above horizon

The Moon & Sydney

Population5.3M
Elevation3m
Clear Nights124/yr
Latitude33.9°S

Southern Hemisphere reverses seasonal moon patterns

Lunar Culture in Sydney

Aboriginal Australians have the world's oldest continuous astronomical traditions, spanning 65,000+ years. The Eora people of the Sydney region tracked lunar cycles for fishing and ceremonial purposes. Sydney Observatory, built in 1858, continues public astronomical education. The Sydney Harbour moonrise, framed by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, is one of the world's most photographed lunar scenes.

How the Moon Affects Sydney

Sydney Harbour's tidal range of about 1.5 meters governs ferry operations, recreational sailing, and the ecology of the harbour's marine reserves. Australian commercial fishing follows solunar tables. Importantly, being in the Southern Hemisphere means Sydney's seasonal moon patterns are reversed from Northern Hemisphere cities: the winter full moon (June-July) transits high, while the summer full moon (December-January) stays low.

Best Moon Viewing in Sydney

Mrs Macquarie's Chair provides the classic harbour moonrise view. For elevation, head to North Head at the entrance to the harbour. Remember that Southern Hemisphere lunar phases appear 'flipped' compared to Northern Hemisphere views.

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Upcoming Lunar Events

Next Full MoonSunday, May 31
Next New MoonSunday, May 17
🌑

New Moon

Sunday, May 17, 2026

🌕

Full MoonFlower Moon

Sunday, May 31, 2026

🌑

New Moon

Monday, June 15, 2026

🌕

Full MoonStrawberry Moon

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

🌑

New Moon

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

🌕

Full MoonBuck Moon

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Moonphase Watches & Sydney

Set Your Moonphase Watch in Sydney

To set your moonphase complication in Sydney: wait for the next full moon (Sunday, May 31), then advance the moonphase disc to show a full moon centered in the aperture. Set the time to 1:18 AM local time. Use our drift calculator to check if your complication has drifted since you last set it.

Open Drift Calculator

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Moon Phase in Nearby Cities