When Do the Seasons Start?
Equinox and solstice dates and times, the astronomical start of each season.
Next season
Winter
Starts Monday, December 21, 3:50 PM EST · 20:50 UTC
First day of each season
| Year | Spring (March equinox) | Summer (June solstice) | Fall (September equinox) | Winter (December solstice) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mar 20, 10:45 AM EDT | Jun 21, 4:24 AM EDT | Sep 22, 8:05 PM EDT | Dec 21, 3:50 PM EST |
| 2027 | Mar 20, 4:24 PM EDT | Jun 21, 10:10 AM EDT | Sep 23, 2:01 AM EDT | Dec 21, 9:42 PM EST |
| 2028 | Mar 19, 10:17 PM EDT | Jun 20, 4:01 PM EDT | Sep 22, 7:45 AM EDT | Dec 21, 3:20 AM EST |
| 2029 | Mar 20, 4:01 AM EDT | Jun 20, 9:48 PM EDT | Sep 22, 1:37 PM EDT | Dec 21, 9:14 AM EST |
| 2030 | Mar 20, 9:51 AM EDT | Jun 21, 3:31 AM EDT | Sep 22, 7:27 PM EDT | Dec 21, 3:09 PM EST |
Astronomical seasons for the Northern Hemisphere, in Eastern Time. South of the equator they are reversed: the June solstice starts winter. Meteorologists use whole months instead: spring is March to May, summer June to August, fall September to November and winter December to February.
Questions
When is summer 2026?
Summer 2026 starts at the June solstice on Sunday, June 21, 4:24 AM EDT, and ends at the September equinox on Tuesday, September 22, 8:05 PM EDT.
When is the first day of winter 2026?
The December solstice, on Monday, December 21, 3:50 PM EST. It is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
When is the first day of spring 2027?
The March equinox, on Saturday, March 20, 4:24 PM EDT.
What is the difference between an equinox and a solstice?
At an equinox, day and night are close to the same length everywhere. At a solstice, the sun is at its highest or lowest at midday, giving the longest or shortest day.