Spring officially begins on Friday, March 20. What does that mean for you?

In 2026, the spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, will take place on March 20, at 7:46 a.m. Eastern time. The word equinox comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night. That’s because on the equinox, day and night last almost the same amount of time — though one may get a few extra minutes.

You're in luck – the official start to spring is this week, falling on Friday, March 20. While meteorologists consider the beginning of March to mark the beginning of spring, the official arrival of the season depends on an astronomical event called the spring equinox. Wondering what exactly that means?

Here's what to know about the first day of spring. In 2026, the March equinox happens on 8:46 a.m. MT/9:46 a.m. CT on Friday, March 20. This marks the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere and the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Warmer weather is straight ahead as each day grows minutes longer. While Old Man Winter certainly has more tricks up his sleeves this month, millions of Americans are already looking ahead to milder weather. While some New Yorkers are still relishing in ...

The first day of astronomical spring in 2026 is Friday, March 20, marking the vernal equinox. An equinox results in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness, unlike a solstice which marks the longest or shortest day. Tennessee is expected to ...

Warmer days recently may hint of spring, but don't put your winter coats away just yet, more snow is heading to Michigan this week. While Michigan got a taste of spring with sunshine and highs reaching the 50s and 60s over the weekend into Monday, March 9 ...

After a brutal winter that included extended deep freezes and a couple of monster snowstorms, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The official start of astronomical spring happens at 10:46 a.m. Friday!