Why do cycles vary in length?

The Moon's orbit is elliptical, so a cycle can run from about 29.3 to 29.8 days.

How long is the Moon new?

It is invisible for about a day or two around the new moon.

Are there 4 or 8 phases?

Four main moments and eight named phases, both are used.

How Long Does Each Moon Phase Last? About 3.7 or 7.4 Days

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): A full lunar cycle, from one new moon to the next, lasts 29.53 days on average. The four main phases, new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter, are exact moments, about 7.4 days apart, and the page lists their dates and times. The in-between phases, crescent and gibbous, last the days between them, so if you divide the cycle into 8 named phases each covers about 3.7 days. To the eye, the Moon looks full for about three nights, since the lit part is above 98% from a day before to a day after the exact full moon.

Do it now, right here

The Moon today

Waxing Crescent

26% illuminated

Day 6 of the 29.5-day cycle

Next phases

Month

Moon phases in November 2026

Last Quarter Sun, November 1 at 03:28 PM
New Moon Mon, November 9 at 02:01 AM
First Quarter Tue, November 17 at 06:47 AM
Full Moon Tue, November 24 at 09:55 AM

Step by step

Check the dates of the next main phases on the page.
The crescent and gibbous phases fill the days between them.
Each of the 8 phases is about 3.7 days.

At a glance

Span	Length	Note
Full cycle	29.53 days	New moon to new moon
Quarter to quarter	About 7.4 days	Main phases
Each of the 8 phases	About 3.7 days	Average
Looks full	About 3 nights	Above 98% lit

How long does each Moon phase last?