When Does Autumn Start
Autumn (autumnal equinox) marks the astronomical start of autumn. Find the exact date and time.
Next occurrence of Autumn Equinox
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Autumn Equinox in 2026: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
What is Autumn Equinox?
The autumn equinox, also known as the autumnal equinox, occurs on approximately 23 September in the UK and marks the astronomical beginning of autumn. On this day, the duration of day and night are nearly equal. After the autumn equinox, nights become longer than days as the season progresses towards winter. Autumn is characterized by cooling temperatures, changing foliage, harvest time, and the return to school.
Traditions
- •Celebrating the autumn harvest
- •Picking apples and pumpkins
- •Harvest festivals and fairs
- •Back to school season
- •Changing decorations to autumn themes
- •Autumn walks and nature activities
- •Preparation for winter
- •Thanksgiving celebrations
Fun Facts
- ✨The autumn equinox marks when day and night have nearly equal length
- ✨The date varies between 22 and 24 September
- ✨After the autumn equinox, nights are longer than days
- ✨Autumn colours begin to appear as days shorten
- ✨The autumn equinox is significant in many cultures and traditions
When is Autumn Equinox each year?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 September 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | 23 September 2027 | Thursday |
| 2028 | 23 September 2028 | Saturday |
| 2029 | 23 September 2029 | Sunday |
| 2030 | 23 September 2030 | Monday |
| 2031 | 23 September 2031 | Tuesday |
| 2032 | 23 September 2032 | Thursday |
| 2033 | 23 September 2033 | Friday |
| 2034 | 23 September 2034 | Saturday |
| 2035 | 23 September 2035 | Sunday |
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When Does Autumn Start?
Astronomical autumn begins at the autumn equinox: 22 or 23 September in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorological autumn begins 1 September. UK schools return early-mid September, marking 'practical' autumn for many families. The astronomical equinox marks roughly equal day/night length again.
Autumn dates: 2025: 22 September. 2026: 23 September. 2027: 23 September. 2028: 22 September. Climate: leaves typically start changing colour late September; peak colour mid-October. Average daily temperatures drop 2-4°C per month from August through November in the UK. Daylight hours reduce dramatically - by 4 hours from peak summer to autumn equinox in southern UK.
Autumn Start Dates (Northern Hemisphere)
| Year | Equinox (Astronomical) | Meteorological |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 September | 1 September |
| 2025 | 22 September | 1 September |
| 2026 | 23 September | 1 September |
| 2027 | 23 September | 1 September |
| 2028 | 22 September | 1 September |
| 2029 | 22 September | 1 September |
| 2030 | 23 September | 1 September |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the date shift between 22 and 23 September?
Earth's orbit isn't perfectly aligned with the calendar year. The equinox can shift by hours from year to year, occasionally crossing midnight to land on a different date in different time zones. Average over decades: roughly half on 22nd, half on 23rd.
Is autumn called 'fall' anywhere in the UK?
Rarely. 'Fall' is the American term; British usage is overwhelmingly 'autumn'. Both terms originated in the UK ('fall of leaf' phrase, 16th century) but 'fall' was preferred in early American colonies, while UK English settled on 'autumn'. Both technically valid.
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When Does Summer Start
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When Does Winter Start
Winter (winter solstice) marks the astronomical start of winter. Find the exact date and time.