When is Easter Sunday?
Western Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (using church tables), so it ranges from March 22 to April 25. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, April 5, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Sunday, March 28, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 167 days to go, which is about 23 weeks and 6 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 5 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 28 | Sunday |
A little history
Easter is the most important festival in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. The method of calculating its date was set at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. Orthodox churches use the older Julian calendar, so Orthodox Easter often falls on a different Sunday.
How people celebrate
Traditions include church services at sunrise, egg hunts, decorated eggs, chocolate bunnies and family meals with dishes such as ham or lamb. The Easter season starts with Lent, a 40-day period of reflection, and Holy Week leads up to Easter Sunday.
Closures and practical notes
Easter Sunday is not a federal holiday in the US, but many businesses close or have reduced hours. In the UK, Canada, Australia and much of Europe, Good Friday and often Easter Monday are public holidays.
Planning tips
Because the date depends on a religious or lunar calendar, it moves around from year to year, and the exact day can change by one depending on where you live and on local announcements. Treat the dates here as a solid guide, and check with your local community for the final word.
If you're celebrating with family, book travel early. If you're not celebrating but have friends, neighbors or coworkers who are, a quick greeting or simply not scheduling a big meeting that day is a thoughtful touch.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Easter Sunday 2027?
Sunday, March 28, 2027.
What day of the week is Easter Sunday in 2027?
It's a Sunday (March 28, 2027).
Why does Easter change every year?
Because it depends on the lunar cycle: it is the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical full moon following March 21.