Here are the Best Times to See Bioluminescence in Florida
January
The new moon is January 18th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, January 11th to January 25th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moon is January 3rd and February 1st. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR JANUARY: January 11th – January 25th (new moon on the 18th)
February
The new moon is February 17th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, February 10th to February 24th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are February 1st and March 3rd. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR FEBRUARY: February 10th – February 24th (new moon on the 17th)
March
The new moon is March 18th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, March 16th to March 22nd, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are March 3rd and April 1st. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR MARCH: March 6th – March 22nd (new moon on the 18th)
April
The new moon is April 17th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, April 5th to April 21st, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are April 1st and May 1st. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR APRIL: April 5th – April 21st (new moon on the 18th)
May
The new moon is May 16th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, May 4th to May 20th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are May 1st and May 31st. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR MAY: May 4th – May 20th (new moon on the 16th)
June
The new moon is June 14th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, June 3rd to June 18th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are May 31st and June 29th. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR JUNE: June 3rd – June 18th (new moon on the 14th)
July
The new moon is July 14th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, July 3rd to July 18th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are June 29th and July 29th. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR JULY: July 3rd – July 18th (new moon on the 14th)
August
The new moon is August 12th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, August 3rd to August 16th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are July 29th and August 28th. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR AUGUST: August 3rd – August 16th (new moon on the 12th)
September
The new moon is September 10th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, September 2nd to September 15th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are August 28th and September 26th. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR SEPTEMBER: September 2nd – September 15th (new moon on the 10th)
October
The new moon is October 10th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, October 1st to October 14th, and then October 30th & 31st, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are September 26th and October 26th. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR OCTOBER: October 1st – October 14th (new moon on the 10th); October 30th – October 31st
November
The new moon is November 9th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, October 30th to November 14th, and then November 29th & 30th, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are October 26th and November 24th. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR NOVEMBER: October 30th – November 14th (new moon on the 9th); November 29th – 30th
December
The new moon is December 8th. This is the best time to see the bioluminescence. The weeks before and after the new moon, November 30th to December 13th, and then December 28th – December 31st, also have little to no moonlight and are optimal for viewing bioluminescence. The nearest full moons are November 24th and December 23rd. Full moon nights and the few days before and after the full moon are not optimal times, as moonlight is more likely to affect the visibility.
OPTIMAL DATES FOR DECEMBER: November 29th – December 13th (new moon on the 8th); December 28th – December 31st
When Can I See Bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence is a year-long phenomenon. In the summer months (June – September) and into Fall, we see a bioluminescence produced by a plankton called dinoflagellates. In the winter months, we see a bioluminescence produced by comb jellies. During certain months we are able to see both of them at the same time during the transitionary periods.
While we are able to see at least one type of bioluminescence throughout the entire year, the visibility of the bioluminescence can depend on the moon phase, shown on the above calendar.
So, Should I Go See Bioluminescence on the New Moon?
While we typically see the bioluminescence nightly, the optimal time to go is on the days before or after a new moon when there is little to no moon visible. This way, there is no moonlight reflecting on the water disrupting your view of the bioluminescence. We recommend going within a week of the new moon, or on days when the moon is going to be rising late. However, these dates typically fill up fast, so we recommend booking well in advance.
Will I Still See Bioluminescence If I Go On a Full Moon?
While the moonlight can affect the bioluminescence, you can still have a great experience on a full moon night. Our guides are trained to take you to the areas where you are most likely to see the bioluminescence, such as areas where trees are blocking the moon. There are also many nights where the clouds are blocking the moon, making it feel like a new moon night. You can also try to go on a night when the moon rises very late in the evening after your tour. Plus, during the summer months when the dinoflagellate bioluminescence is at its peak, you should see bright bioluminescence every night. Kayaking during the full moon can be a beautiful experience!
Still Need Help Picking A Date?
We are happy to help you pick the perfect day to go that works for you and provides an amazing bioluminescence experience. Call or text us at (407) 519-8711 or email [email protected].
Bioluminescence Tour near Orlando (Kelly Park East)
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