Strawberry Moon Delights Reno Skywatchers: Best Spots and Times to See June’s Colorful Full Moon

The Strawberry Moon Bathes Reno in Amber Light

If you glanced up at the sky over Reno this week, you probably noticed something different—an oversized, glowing moon with a tint of pink or amber that’s hard to ignore. This is the famous Strawberry Moon, one of those lunar events that people talk about for weeks afterward. It reached its prime just after midnight on June 11, but you didn’t actually miss the main event if you were snoozing then. There’s still time to catch it in all its glory.

So, what makes this June full moon so eye-catching? The color and brilliance come down to a bit of science and culture blended together. As the moon rises low on the horizon—especially around dusk—it shines through more of Earth’s atmosphere. All that extra air bends and scatters blue light, letting more reds and oranges shine through. That’s why the first sight of the Strawberry Moon often comes with bold, warm colors. You’re seeing the same effect that makes sunsets so spectacular, just happening at night with our lunar neighbor.

This celestial phenomenon isn’t just about beauty, though. The name “Strawberry Moon” comes from North American Indigenous traditions, in particular the Algonquin, Ojibwe, and Dakota nations. They didn’t choose the name for the moon’s color, but because this time of year marked the ripening of wild strawberries—an important seasonal cue. Elsewhere, groups call it the Raspberry or Blackberry Moon, all tying back to harvest calendars and the way natural cycles shaped daily life. It’s a sharp reminder that we’re connected to these rhythms—something easy to forget in a world glowing with city lights.

How and When to See the Strawberry Moon in Reno

The best moment to see that famous amber or pink glow is just after the moon rises in the southeastern sky at dusk. For Reno, the magic window opens in the early evening on June 10 and even lingers into the following night, June 11. The closer you watch to the horizon, the more dramatic the colors—that’s when you should have your camera handy if you’re chasing that perfect photo. As it gets higher, the moon turns a softer yellow or white, but it’ll still look much larger and brighter than usual.

For the best view, head somewhere with a clear southeastern horizon. City parks or spots outside Reno where there are fewer buildings and streetlights make a big difference. Bring binoculars for a closer look, but honestly, you’ll want to capture the moon with silhouettes of trees, mountains, or buildings in the foreground to really set the scene. For photos, use a tripod and snap your shots quickly after moonrise—colors fade fast as it climbs up the night sky.

• Look southeast at dusk for the moonrise
• Catch the amber/rose hues in the first 30–40 minutes
• Pick a place with a wide, unobstructed horizon
• Bring a camera or binoculars for the best experience

Even if you can’t make it outdoors tonight, the Strawberry Moon will still hang around for a few nights—just a little dimmer and less colorful each day. Each year brings a different mix of weather, atmosphere, and local wildness to the scene, making this June moon a little unpredictable and a lot unforgettable. Reno’s big sky serves as the perfect backdrop for this lunar show, so look up and don’t miss it.