Tonight’s Sky: What to Expect
Montrealers have a celestial treat ahead as the Harvest Moon — the full moon closest to the autumn equinox — reaches its full illumination tonight. The moon rises at 5:44 p.m. and becomes fully bright at 11:47 p.m., offering a long window for observation. This Harvest Moon is notable for being the first Supermoon of 2026, with two more Supermoons following on November 5 and December 4.
Before the moon climbs, the forecast calls for warm weather: a high around 28°C, with a humidex near 31 and a moderate UV index of 5. Skies are expected to remain sunny into the early evening, though scattered showers are possible on Tuesday. The week should swing back to unseasonably warm, sunny conditions for most of the days ahead.
What Is a Harvest Moon and a Supermoon?
The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox, which fell on September 22 this year. Historically, farmers relied on the extra light to harvest crops as evenings lengthened. A Supermoon happens when a full moon coincides with perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit, making the Moon appear larger and brighter than usual. This October 6 event is the first of three Supermoons in 2026, a natural pattern that brings extra moonlight for several evenings each season.
Why the Harvest Moon Also Coincides with the Draconid Meteor Shower
This evening also overlaps with the annual Draconid meteor shower, active from October 6 to 10. In ideal dark-sky conditions, meteors can pepper the sky as they streak across. However, the bright full Moon’s glare will make fainter meteors harder to spot, so best viewing is away from bright city lights and after moonrise when the sky is darker.
Best Places in Montreal to View the Supermoon
Montreal offers several practical spots to watch the Harvest Moon rise and glow. Keep in mind weather, light pollution, and unobstructed horizons for the best view.
- <strongMount Royal – The Kondiaronk Belvedere or the Beaver Lake area offer elevated vantage points and wide, unobstructed horizons over the city.
- <strongOld Port of Montreal – A scenic shoreline with a clear view toward the east where the Moon will rise. Choose a low-traffic pier for less crowding.
- <strongParc Jean-Brillant and Westmount Summit – Quiet, leafy neighborhoods with good sightlines as the Moon climbs higher.
- <strongLachine Canal area – A historic waterway with open skies and minimal light pollution, ideal for early moonrise watching.
Pro tips for a smoother experience: bring a lightweight chair or blanket, a warm layer after sundown, and a small flashlight with red mode to preserve night vision. If you’re chasing the moon at a popular spot, consider arriving early to secure a comfortable viewing spot.
Tips for the Best Possible View
1) Check local sunset and moonrise times ahead of your outing to time your arrival. 2) Favor locations with an unobstructed eastern horizon for the moonrise. 3) Use a basic camera or smartphone with a telephoto lens to capture the Moon’s textures—craters and seas show up more clearly when you tap into the right exposure. 4) Be mindful of urban lighting; if possible, step a few blocks away from bright streetlights to improve contrast. 5) When observing the Draconid shower, avoid the Moon’s bright glare, and focus on the darker parts of the sky for a chance at faint meteors.
What to Expect Beyond Tonight
While the Harvest Moon will illuminate Montreal tonight, the calendar promises a mix of sun and warmth in the days ahead. Expect continued clear evenings with comfortable temperatures, though keep an eye on local weather forecasts for possible rain showers later in the week. And if you stay up late to admire the Harvest Moon, you’ll also have a chance to glimpse a few meteors before the Draconid shower’s peak on October 8, weather permitting.
