Spring Equinox 2026: Exact Date and Time When Spring Begins in the U.S.

The Spring Equinox is the first day of spring in the United States and means winter has officially ended and the days are going to be much longer and warmer.

In 2026, the Spring Equinox falls on March 20, which is also the time when day and night are nearly equal in duration for almost every location on Earth. 

The Spring Equinox is a fixed point in time that occurs when the Earth is positioned exactly between the Sun and the Moon.

The arrival of spring is met by many people around the world with hope and anticipation because of the range of positive social and environmental changes that will occur during this time period as a result of longer, warmer days. 

Understanding the specific date and time of the Spring Equinox will help to set the calendar for Astronomical Spring in the United States.

Check Out: When Does Spring 2026 Begin? Vernal Equinox Date and Time in the US

Exact Date and Time in the U.S.

The Spring Equinox will be exact at the same time across the globe when the Sun is positioned directly above the Earth's Equator.

In the year 2026, the Spring Equinox is scheduled to land on Sunday, March 20, at around 11:46 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). 

Due to the various time zones in the United States, however, the exact time varies by locale; therefore, the local spring equinox times in the U.S. are as follows:

Eastern Time (ET) - 11:46 a.m.

Central Time (CT) - 10:46 a.m.

Mountain Time (MT) - 9:46 a.m.

Pacific Time (PT) - 8:46 a.m.

Regardless of the clock time, the Spring Equinox is universal; clock time depends on the time zone in which you live.

What is the Spring Equinox?

The word "equinox" comes from the Latin words meaning "equal night." The night and day will last approximately equal amounts of time everywhere on the planet. As the tilt of the Earth's axis is neutral to the Sun on the date of the Spring Equinox, all areas of the Earth will be evenly illuminated by sunlight.

The Spring Equinox occurs twice in a year; the other time it occurs is in September and it's the start of the Autumn Equinox.