Seasons & solstices · in 279 days
When is Spring Equinox?
Spring Equinox 2027 is on Saturday, March 20, 2027.
Spring Equinox 2027 falls on Saturday, March 20, 2027.
The start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when day and night are nearly equal.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 12. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Spring Equinox
Humans have tracked the equinox for thousands of years. Stonehenge, the Great Pyramid of Giza and Chichen Itza all have astronomical alignments to the equinoxes. The word "equinox" comes from the Latin for "equal night". It marks the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving north, and day and night last roughly the same time everywhere on Earth. The astronomical first day of spring follows the equinox, though meteorologists generally use March 1.
Also known as: Vernal Equinox, March Equinox
How Spring Equinox is celebrated
Many cultures mark it with new-year celebrations. The Persian Nowruz, the Indian holi season, the Japanese Shunbun no Hi, and various Wiccan rituals all align with the spring equinox. NASA and observatories worldwide use the moment for public outreach events.
Did you know?
Day and night aren't exactly equal at the equinox; the equinox is precisely defined by sun position.
Persia's New Year, Nowruz, begins at the spring equinox each year.
The Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza casts a serpent-shaped shadow on the stairs at the equinox.
Spring Equinox in upcoming years
How the date is set
Around March 20 each year. The exact moment shifts by a day depending on Earth's orbit.
Sources & further reading
For more detail on Spring Equinox, see these references.
Related dates
Spring Equinox: questions and answers
When is Spring Equinox 2027?
Spring Equinox 2027 falls on Saturday, March 20, 2027.
What day of the week is Spring Equinox this year?
In 2026, Spring Equinox is a Friday, March 20.
How is the date of Spring Equinox determined?
Around March 20 each year. The exact moment shifts by a day depending on Earth's orbit.