CHIANG RAI – Thailand’s night sky is lining up a standout event for the start of the year. On 3 January 2026, the Wolf Moon Supermoon will rise over the country, looking bigger and brighter than a typical full moon. It’s set to be a memorable sight for anyone outdoors after sunset.
The name Wolf Moon comes from old Northern Hemisphere traditions. Mid-winter nights were linked with wolves howling more often, and the first full moon of January picked up the nickname over time.
In 2026, this full moon also counts as a supermoon. A supermoon happens when the moon is full at the same time it is near perigee, the closest point in its orbit to Earth. That shorter distance can make the moon look up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon.
This event also lines up with the time of year when Earth is closest to the sun, adding an extra lift to the overall brightness and helping the moon’s details stand out.
Best Time to See It in Thailand
In Thailand, the moon reaches its full phase at around 5:02 pm on Saturday, 3 January. Some places will hit that moment before the moon rises, so the best views usually start soon after sunset.
- Moonrise: Look towards the east from roughly 5:50 pm to 6:10 pm.
- The moon illusion: The moon often appears huge near the horizon. Trees, buildings, and hills give the brain a reference point, which can make it look even larger.
- How long it lasts: The moon stays up through the night, then sets in the west around dawn on 4 January.
Great Places to Watch the Supermoon in Thailand
The Wolf Moon Supermoon is visible anywhere the sky is clear. Still, some spots make the experience feel more special.
1. Chiang Rai: Clear Air and Big Skies
Chiang Rai often has crisp winter air and wide views, which can help the moon look sharp and bright.
- Phu Chi Fa: This well-known cliff viewpoint offers sweeping horizons. Seeing the moon above the mist can make a striking photo.
- Singha Park: Open ground and a clear eastern view make it easy to catch moonrise without obstructions.
- The Golden Triangle: The moonlight on the Mekong River, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, adds a strong sense of place.
2. Chiang Mai: Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark
The Sirindhorn Astronomical Park in Mae Rim, run by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), often holds public viewing sessions. Visitors can use powerful telescopes and hear simple explanations from staff on what’s happening in the sky.
3. Bangkok: High Views Above the City
Bangkok’s lights can wash out stars, but a supermoon still shines through. Riverside areas along the Chao Phraya River, such as Asiatique, plus rooftop spots around Sukhumvit, offer a dramatic mix of moonlight and city skyline.
Simple Tips for Better Viewing
No special gear is needed, but a few basics can make the night more enjoyable.
- Check local conditions: January is part of Thailand’s cool season, so skies are often clear. Haze and low cloud can still appear, so it helps to check before heading out.
- Step away from streetlights: Less glare makes lunar features easier to see, including craters and darker plains.
- Dress for the night air: In places like Chiang Rai, temperatures can drop. Layers help, especially at higher viewpoints.
The Wolf Moon Supermoon offers a strong start to the year. From northern peaks to city rooftops, Thailand is in for a bright, clear show.
Chiang Rai Weather for Saturday Night, 3 January 2026
Conditions in Chiang Rai look well-suited for moonwatching this evening.
- Sky: Mostly clear, with the chance of a few passing clouds that should move through quickly.
- Temperature: A cool night, with lows around 16°C.
- Rain: Near 0% chance of rain.
- Visibility: About 10 km, which suggests clean air and good viewing.
Extra Sky Notes for Tonight
Jupiter should be easy to spot as well. It will look like a bright, steady point of light close to the moon.
The Quadrantid meteor shower also peaks tonight. The supermoon’s brightness will make most meteors harder to see, but a few brighter ones may still show up if viewers look away from the moon and towards darker parts of the sky.
