The vernal equinox marks the official first day of spring across the Northern Hemisphere, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. In 2026, the spring equinox falls on Friday, March 20, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

The 2026 vernal equinox was set to occur on March 20 at 10:46 a.m. EDT, marking the astronomical start of spring with nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness.

Spring officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere on March 20 with the vernal equinox, when the world experiences equal amounts of daylight and darkness.

Friday morning, March 20, marks the triumphant return of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a glorious, warm season after the harsh cold of winter—filled with light and more sun-induced vitamin D.

Meteorologists divide our planet’s annual seasons, referred to as “meteorological seasons”, into four equal divisions of three months each, based on our civil calendar: meteorological spring (March 1-May 31), meteorological summer (June 1-Aug. 31), meteorological autumn (Sept. 1-Nov. 30), and meteorological winter (Dec. 1-Feb. 28 or 29).

Day and night will get equal time for a brief moment Monday as much of the world heads into fall. The autumnal equinox arrives Monday, marking the start of the fall season for the Northern Hemisphere and the spring in the Southern Hemisphere. On the ...

Spring skies reveal some of the best galaxies visible to backyard telescopes.