When is First Day of Spring (Spring Equinox)?
The astronomical start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere is the March equinox, around March 19–21. In 2026 it falls on Friday, March 20, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Saturday, March 20, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 159 days to go, which is about 22 weeks and 5 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 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
A little history
At the equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator and day and night are roughly equal in length everywhere. Meteorologists use a simpler calendar and count spring as starting March 1.
How people celebrate
People celebrate with spring cleaning, gardening and, in Iran and Central Asia, Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Cherry blossoms start blooming in Washington, D.C. and Japan around this time. I usually take it as my cue to start seeds indoors for the garden.
Closures and practical notes
In the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox is the start of autumn.
Planning tips
Astronomical seasons follow the Earth's position around the sun, so the exact moment can land on a slightly different date depending on your time zone. Meteorologists use simpler dates (the first of March, June, September and December) to make weather records easier to compare.
Changes in daylight affect sleep and mood more than most of us expect. Getting outside in the morning, keeping a steady bedtime and eating dinner at a regular time all help your body clock adjust.
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 First Day of Spring (Spring Equinox) 2027?
Saturday, March 20, 2027.
What day of the week is First Day of Spring (Spring Equinox) in 2027?
It's a Saturday (March 20, 2027).
Is it true you can balance an egg on the equinox?
You can balance an egg on any day with patience; the equinox doesn't make it easier.