Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors will have a stunning view of the night sky on December 4, when the last supermoon of 2025 shines over the bay. Known as the “cold moon,” this full moon will be larger and brighter than usual as it reaches one of its closest points to Earth this year.
The name Cold Moon is rooted in Native American history, reflecting the drop in temperatures typical of this time of year across North America. The Mohawk tribe named it for the onset of frigid conditions, while the Mohicans also knew it as the “Long Night Moon,” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
A supermoon occurs when the moon is about 10 percent closer than its average distance, making it appear noticeably bigger and more luminous. On December 4, the moon will be roughly 221,965 miles from Earth – close enough to create a striking glow over the Pacific and the coastline of Banderas Bay.
The moon will rise in Puerto Vallarta at 5:14 pm, according to TimeAndDate.com. With the sun setting shortly afterward, skywatchers can expect the moon to lift above the eastern horizon into deepening twilight, creating a dramatic and photogenic scene. The moon will also appear full on the nights of December 3 and December 5, giving viewers multiple chances to enjoy it.
One of the most impressive moments will come during moonrise, when the optical effect known as the “moon illusion” makes the moon look especially large as it sits close to the horizon. Against the silhouettes of the Sierra Madre mountains and Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, the effect is even more striking.
Although the cold moon is traditionally named for winter weather in North America, its arrival in Puerto Vallarta brings something different: clear skies, warm evenings, and perfect conditions for stargazing outdoors. Those hoping for the best views should head to open areas, such as beaches, elevated lookout points, and coastal promenades.
This supermoon also arrives just before the annual Geminid meteor shower, which peaks on December 13–14. As the moon begins to wane after December 4, the darker skies will set the stage for one of the most active meteor displays of the year.
Whether enjoyed from the Malecón, the beach, or the quiet hillsides overlooking Banderas Bay, the December 4 supermoon promises a memorable night for anyone in Puerto Vallarta.
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