When Does Spring Start
Spring (vernal equinox) marks the astronomical start of spring. Find the exact date and time.
Next occurrence of Spring Equinox
Saturday, 20 March 2027
Spring Equinox in 2026: Friday, 20 March 2026
What is Spring Equinox?
The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, occurs on approximately 20 March in the UK and marks the astronomical beginning of spring. On this day, the duration of day and night are nearly equal, with day length increasing after this date. The spring equinox signals the end of winter and the beginning of warmer weather, longer days, and the renewal of nature. Flowers bloom, birds return from migration, and outdoor activities resume.
Traditions
- •Celebrating the return of spring and warmer weather
- •Gardening and planting seeds for the growing season
- •Easter celebrations in some traditions
- •Spring cleaning of homes
- •Outdoor activities and nature walks
- •Spring festivals and fairs
- •Seasonal cooking with fresh produce
- •Celebrating renewal and rebirth
Fun Facts
- ✨The spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator
- ✨On the equinox, day and night have nearly equal length
- ✨The date of the spring equinox varies between 19 and 21 March
- ✨Many ancient sites, like Stonehenge, align with the spring equinox
- ✨The spring equinox is significant in many cultures and religions
When is Spring Equinox each year?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 March 2026 | Friday |
| 2027 | 20 March 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | 20 March 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | 20 March 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | 20 March 2030 | Wednesday |
| 2031 | 20 March 2031 | Thursday |
| 2032 | 20 March 2032 | Saturday |
| 2033 | 20 March 2033 | Sunday |
| 2034 | 20 March 2034 | Monday |
| 2035 | 20 March 2035 | Tuesday |
Related Tools
When Does Spring Start?
Astronomical spring begins at the spring equinox: usually 20 or 21 March in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorological spring (used by Met Office) begins 1 March. Calendar spring (some folk traditions): 1 March or sometimes 21 March. UK most commonly uses 1 March (meteorological) or 20-21 March (astronomical) depending on context.
Astronomical spring shifts slightly each year due to leap years. 2025: 20 March. 2026: 20 March. 2027: 20 March. 2028: 20 March (a leap year shifts patterns slightly). Climate-wise, 'spring' can begin earlier in southern UK (February daffodils) and later in northern UK (April or May for proper warming). The astronomical date marks roughly equal day/night length.
Spring Start Dates (Northern Hemisphere)
| Year | Astronomical (Equinox) | Meteorological |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 20 March | 1 March |
| 2025 | 20 March | 1 March |
| 2026 | 20 March | 1 March |
| 2027 | 20 March | 1 March |
| 2028 | 20 March | 1 March |
| 2029 | 20 March | 1 March |
| 2030 | 20 March | 1 March |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why two different spring start dates?
Astronomical spring is set by Earth's orbit (when sun crosses celestial equator). Meteorological spring uses calendar months (March-April-May) for statistical record-keeping. Both legitimate; astronomical is more 'when day and night equal'; meteorological is more 'whole month chunks for analysis'.
When is spring in the Southern Hemisphere?
September-November (astronomical: 22-23 September equinox, meteorological: 1 September). Australia and Southern Africa experience our autumn at the same time. New Zealand spring runs September-November parallel to Australia.
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When Does Summer Start
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When Does Autumn Start
Autumn (autumnal equinox) marks the astronomical start of autumn. Find the exact date and time.
When Does Winter Start
Winter (winter solstice) marks the astronomical start of winter. Find the exact date and time.