For those of you who didn’t pay attention in Science classes at school, full moons occur on the same date everywhere in the world once every 29 or 30 days. On this page we will look at when and where the world’s biggest full moon parties take place. Note that some of the popular backpacker full moon parties can occur a few days before or after the official full moon date. Therefore it is worth checking to be sure nearer the time, certainly for the more official gatherings like the one on Thailand’s Ko Pha Ngan.
Full Moon Party Dates 2020 & 2021
- Friday 10th January 2020
- Sunday 9th February 2020
- Monday 9th March 2020
- Wednesday 8th April 2020
- Thursday 7th May 2020
- Friday 5th June 2020
- Sunday 5th July 2020
- Monday 3rd August 2020
- Wednesday 2nd September 2020
- Thursday 1st October 2020
- Saturday 31st October 2020
- Monday 30th November 2020
- Wednesday 30th December 2020
- Thursday 28th January 2021
- Saturday 27th February 2021
- Sunday 28th March 2021
- Tuesday 27th April 2021
- Wednesday 26th May 2021
- Thursday 24th June 2021
- Saturday 24th July 2021
- Sunday 22nd August 2021
- Tuesday 21st September 2021
- Wednesday 20th October 2021
- Friday 19th November 2021
- Sunday 19th December 2021
Where are the Full Moon Parties?
Full Moon raves don’t just happen on remote islands off the coast of Thailand, in fact there are loads and on all corners of the globe although many attract quite small crowds by comparison. If you’ve been to one not listed below or want to write about your experiences at full moon parties then do let us know!
Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand – The most famous Full Moon Party
The original and by some distance biggest full moon party. Tens of thousands flock to Haad Rin Beach on Thailand’s Ko Pha Ngan every full moon to dance the night away with drink and drug fuelled mayhem. It may not be as crazy as it once was in the 80’s and 90’s since law enforcement has stepped up in recent years and the whole thing has become much more commercialised. However it is still a pretty wild affair with bucket stands and bars the length of the beach and fluorescent clothing and glitter adding to the spectacle.
It’s also worth noting that Ko Pha Ngan also has half-moon and black moon parties which are more chilled out affairs which many travellers report more favourably on.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Kendwa Beach is the place to go on this African island paradise for full moon festivities. It normally takes place on the Saturday closest to the full moon date and crowds can be quite large in the tourist season. June to October is largely seen as the best time to visit Zanzibar although December to February also boasts dry weather making it a good Christmas/New Year destination.
Magnetic Island, Australia
A few thousand Aussie and backpacker ravers dance from dusk till dawn on Magnetic Island, one a popular stop on the Australia backpacker trail. With only around 2,000 permanent residents spread across a few villages, Magnetic Island is a small place but with beautiful skies and clear waters, it’s a dreamy destination for a full moon party.
Montañita, Ecuador
This beach shanty town has a party vibe whatever time of the month you arrive, but when the moon is full, backpackers head to the beach by Kumara Hostel where all night raves take place to trance and latino tunage. This is certainly one of the best beach party destinations in South America, although if you’re a fan of bigger parties with masses of people, head to Rio de Janeiro for the New Year festivities on Copacabana Beach.
Zadar, Croatia
This is a really nice full moon festival if you’re looking for something a bit different. Locals turn off their lights and gather along the seafront to enjoy fresh local food and spirits. This event only happens once a year however (normally July or August).
Goa, India
Anjuna Beach in Goa has been a hippy hangout since the 1960’s and it is still a popular spot with young backpackers even if the more party-orientated folks tend to just head to Southeast Asia these days. Goa’s parties take place every full moon, in the bars and spilling into an all night affair on the beach. Numbers vary greatly depending on the time of year though. November to February is peak season.
Ibiza, Spain
Europe’s best known party island, is buzzing with nightlife and an energetic party crowd especially during the summer months. All night fiestas take place on Benirras Beach with Nassau Beach Club organising full moon events each month.
This article was last updated in December 2019
Featured Image of Haad Rin Full Moon Party, CC BY 2.0
Hi all! On the island of Utila in Honduras throw Full Moon and Black Moon parties every month at Treetanic Bar :))
Also, some nice ones in Mexico as well, Papaya Playa Project in Tulum is a great one.