When is St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day is always March 17. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Wednesday, March 17, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 156 days to go, which is about 22 weeks and 2 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 17 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 17 | Wednesday |
A little history
St. Patrick's Day marks the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in the fifth century. What started as a religious feast day in Ireland became a celebration of Irish heritage worldwide, largely thanks to Irish emigrants in the United States who organized the first big parades in the 1700s.
How people celebrate
Popular customs include wearing green, parades (New York City's is one of the oldest and largest), shamrocks, Irish music and dancing, and foods like corned beef and cabbage or soda bread. Chicago famously dyes its river bright green each year.
Closures and practical notes
It is a public holiday in Ireland and Northern Ireland but not in the United States, where schools and businesses are open. Expect busy bars and parade road closures in major cities.
Planning tips
It isn't a day off for most people, so the real trick is planning around your normal week. Put a reminder in your phone a week before, and another two days before, so you're not scrambling the night before.
If you're buying anything for it, whether flowers, food, costumes or decorations, shopping a week or two early is cheaper and way less stressful than the last-minute rush.
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 St. Patrick's Day 2027?
Wednesday, March 17, 2027.
What day of the week is St. Patrick's Day in 2027?
It's a Wednesday (March 17, 2027).
Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's Day?
Green is linked to Ireland, the 'Emerald Isle,' and to the shamrock; folklore says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns.