Residents in Dauphin, Manitoba, have a narrowing window to see the 2026 Snow Moon this weekend before clouds and snow move into the region. The moon reaches its official peak on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 (peak illumination occurs Feb. 1 at 5:09 p.m. EST / 4:09 p.m. CST), but local forecasts from Environment Canada indicate the clearest skies in the Parkland are most likely Friday night, Jan. 30.
According to Space.com and other astronomy sources, this is the second full moon of 2026 and the Moon will pass near the Beehive star cluster (M44) in the constellation Cancer — a pairing that can be rewarding for binocular and telescope users, though the Moon’s glare can make the cluster difficult to spot.
The best places to watch are areas with very little light pollution, such as Rainbow Beach Provincial Park or the shores of Lake Dauphin. Records from the Manitoba Hydrologic Forecast Centre show Dauphin Lake levels are within the normal operating range (about 854.35 ft as of Jan. 26, 2026), and ice ridging is a known seasonal hazard along the shoreline, so visitors should exercise caution around shore ice.
In Anishinaabe tradition this moon is called Makwa Giizis (Bear Moon); the Center for Native American Studies lists that name, and Anishinaabe moon teachings commonly associate the time with reflection and the quiet strength symbolized by the bear.
With daytime highs expected around -15°C and overnight lows that can dip below -25°C, residents are reminded to dress in heavy layers and be mindful of wind-chill-driven frostbite risk. Photographers should keep spare batteries inside a jacket, as cold temperatures can rapidly drain camera batteries and affect electronics. Astronomy sources note the Beehive Cluster lies near the Moon this year and may be visible with binoculars or a telescope, with the caveat that the Moon’s brightness can make the cluster harder to see.
