Which moon phases are marked?

The four principal ones: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter, each shown by a symbol on the day it occurs.

Why do the phases fall on different dates each month?

The lunar cycle is roughly 29.5 days, which is shorter than most calendar months. The phases drift earlier as the year goes on rather than landing on fixed dates.

Is it accurate for my location?

The phase dates are calculated for the year you select. Phases occur at the same moment worldwide, though the local clock time of that moment shifts with your time zone, which can move it either side of midnight.

Can I print it in black and white?

Yes. The phase symbols are shape based rather than color based, so they stay readable on a mono printer. Choosing a lighter color theme also saves ink on the grid.

Moon Phase Calendar 2026 - Free Printable PDF

About the moon phase calendar

A printable moon phase calendar marks the lunar cycle against every day of the year, showing new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter with a symbol on the date it falls. The cycle runs about 29.5 days, so the phases drift against the calendar month rather than repeating on the same dates.

Gardeners use it for sowing and pruning schedules. Photographers use it to find the dark nights around a new moon, or the bright ones around a full. Anglers, walkers and anyone planning an outdoor night look up the same thing: which nights will have moonlight.

Print it and the whole year of phases is on paper, which beats checking a phone in a field. Landscape is the default so the phase symbols have room beside each date without crowding the number. Both A4 and US Letter hold the symbols legibly, but print at full size rather than Fit to Page, because the quarter symbols are the smallest marks on the sheet and are the first thing to suffer when scaled down. The calendar types guide covers the other specialized layouts.

Ready to make one? Open the calendar generator above to set your options and download the PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Which moon phases are marked?: The four principal ones: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter, each shown by a symbol on the day it occurs.
Why do the phases fall on different dates each month?: The lunar cycle is roughly 29.5 days, which is shorter than most calendar months. The phases drift earlier as the year goes on rather than landing on fixed dates.
Is it accurate for my location?: The phase dates are calculated for the year you select. Phases occur at the same moment worldwide, though the local clock time of that moment shifts with your time zone, which can move it either side of midnight.
Can I print it in black and white?: Yes. The phase symbols are shape based rather than color based, so they stay readable on a mono printer. Choosing a lighter color theme also saves ink on the grid.