Two ways to define the start of the season
Both dates are valid; they refer to different season systems.
Astronomical Spring
Begins at the March equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
Meteorological Spring
Begins on the fixed calendar date of March 1 in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which date should you use? Use the astronomical date when you mean the solstice- or equinox-based season. Use the meteorological date when you mean the fixed three-month season used for weather and climate records.
When Does Spring Start?
Astronomical Spring begins on Saturday, March 20, 2027 in the selected timezone. Meteorological Spring begins on Monday, March 1, 2027. The first follows the astronomical season boundary; the second uses the fixed meteorological calendar.
Season Date & Planning Details
Astronomical Spring uses the solstice- or equinox-based seasonal boundary. The meteorological alternative is shown in the comparison above.
This seasonal boundary is not a public holiday.
Astronomical Spring Calendar (2027-2030)
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left | Weekend? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | March 20 | Sat | 210 days | Yes |
| 2028 | March 20 | Mon | 576 days | No |
| 2029 | March 20 | Tue | 941 days | No |
| 2030 | March 20 | Wed | 1306 days | No |
What is Start of Spring?
In the Northern Hemisphere, astronomical spring begins at the March equinox, while meteorological spring begins on March 1. The main countdown follows the astronomical season, with the meteorological date shown as a second accepted way to mark the start of spring.
Calendar note
Use the astronomical date for equinox-based season questions and March 1 for meteorological or climate-calendar references.
Date variation note
The March equinox occurs at a specific moment, so its local calendar date can differ by time zone and can shift slightly from year to year.
Regional note
These dates describe spring in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox marks the start of astronomical autumn, while meteorological autumn begins on March 1.
Weather note
Calendar spring does not mean local temperatures, rainfall, or snow conditions will change immediately on the season’s starting date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does spring start in 2027?
Astronomical spring begins on March 20, 2027 in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorological spring begins earlier, on March 1, 2027.
Why are there two different dates for the start of spring?
Astronomical spring is tied to the March equinox, while meteorological spring uses a three-month climate calendar beginning on March 1.
Is the first day of spring always March 20?
No. The astronomical start can vary slightly by year and time zone. Meteorological spring, by contrast, begins on March 1 each year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Does spring start on the same date everywhere?
The equinox happens at one moment worldwide, but the local calendar date can differ by time zone. The season is also reversed between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Which spring start date should I use?
Use the March equinox when referring to astronomical spring. Use March 1 when referring to meteorological seasons or climate-based seasonal records.
More Upcoming Days
The astronomical countdown uses the selected timezone. The meteorological countdown uses its fixed calendar start date in the same timezone.