Moon Phase in iPhone Weather App: How to See It

Your iPhone’s Weather app shows more than just temperature and precipitation—it also displays the current moon phase. This guide walks you through finding the moon phase in the Weather app, what the icons mean, and how to get more detailed lunar information.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone running iOS 16 or later (the moon phase feature was added in iOS 16).
• The Weather app (it comes pre-installed; you can’t delete it, but if you’ve hidden it, re-download it from the App Store).
• Location Services enabled for Weather (optional, but needed for your local moon phase).

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Weather app on your iPhone. It’s the blue icon with a white sun and cloud.
2. Scroll down on the main weather screen. You’ll see the current conditions, hourly forecast, and 10-day forecast. Keep scrolling past these sections.
3. Look for the “Moon” section. It appears after the 10-day forecast, usually above the “Sun” section. It shows a small moon icon and the current phase name (e.g., “Waxing Gibbous”).
4. Tap the Moon section to expand it. This reveals more details: the moonrise and moonset times, the illumination percentage, and the phase name.
5. Check the moon phase for other locations: If you have multiple locations saved in Weather (tap the list icon in the bottom-right corner), select a different city and repeat the scroll. The moon phase will update for that location.
6. Use the moon phase for planning: The illumination percentage is useful for stargazing or photography. The moonrise/moonset times help you know when the moon will be visible.

Common Mistakes

• Not scrolling far enough: The Moon section is below the 10-day forecast. If you don’t scroll past that, you’ll miss it.
• Confusing the Moon section with the Sun section: They are separate. The Sun section shows sunrise/sunset; the Moon section shows lunar data.
• Expecting a visual lunar calendar: The Weather app only shows the current phase, not a future calendar. For a full month view, you need a third-party app.

Tips

• Use the “Moon” section for quick reference: It’s a handy way to know if the moon is waxing or waning without opening a separate app.
• Combine with the “Sun” section: For outdoor activities, check both moonrise and sunset to plan for dark skies.
• Add a moon phase widget: On your Home Screen, press and hold, tap the “+” button, search for “Weather,” and choose a widget that includes moon phase (if available in your iOS version).

Troubleshooting

• Moon section not showing: Make sure your iOS is updated to at least iOS 16. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If you’re on an older version, the feature won’t appear.
• Moon phase is wrong for your location: Check that Location Services is enabled for Weather. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Weather, and set to “While Using the App” or “Always.”
• Moon phase shows “Unavailable”: This can happen if you’re in a remote area without data. Wait for a connection, or close and reopen the app.
• Can’t find the Moon section after an update: Apple occasionally rearranges the layout. Try scrolling slowly, or pull down to refresh the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the moon phase for a past or future date?

No, the Weather app only shows the current phase. For past or future dates, use a dedicated moon phase app or website.

Does the moon phase in Weather match the actual moon?

Yes, it’s based on astronomical data and is accurate for the selected location. It updates automatically.

Why is the moon phase not visible on my iPad?

The Weather app on iPadOS also includes moon phase, but the layout may differ. Scroll down past the forecast sections; if it’s missing, ensure your iPad is updated to iPadOS 16 or later.

Can I see moon phase for a location I don’t have saved?

You can add a location by tapping the list icon, then the “+” button, and searching for a city. Once added, you can view its moon phase.

What do the moon phase names mean?

New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent. They describe the illuminated portion of the moon as seen from Earth.

Does the Weather app show moon phase in all countries?

Yes, the feature is available globally, but the language may vary based on your device’s language settings.

Related

• What Is My Laptop Model? Find It Fast
• Fix Can’t Change Default Apps in Windows 10
• Remote Desktop on Chromebook: Setup Guide