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

The Vernal Equinox is the event that officially marks spring's arrival in the United States and welcomes in the new season of the year after winter with longer and warmer days. 

In 2026, March 20 will be the start of the spring season as the Sun passes directly over the equator. At that point, the day and night will be almost equal in length, signifying an important seasonal change. 

The angle from the Earth's Northern Hemisphere tilts more toward the Sun after the vernal equinox, so that there will be longer hours of daylight and greater heat. 

For many people all over the United States, this celestial moment marks the beginning of the spring season with blooming plants, better weather, and an end to the wait for the return of spring.

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What Time Does the Vernal Equinox Happen in 2026?

Equinox occurs on Mar. 20 at 11:46 AM (ET) Eastern Daylight Saving Time in 2026. Note: due to the multiple time zones within the United States, the time will vary by location as follows:

Central Time (CT) - 10:46 AM

Mountain Time (MT) - 09:46 AM

Pacific Time (PT) - 08:46 AM

Throughout the globe, when the March Equinox occurs at this moment in time, the Sun will have directly overhead at the Equator and almost equal hours of daylight and darkness at each location will occur simultaneously.

Why the Vernal Equinox Marks the Start of Spring?

The March Equinox is recognized as the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere because it marks the point at which the Earth's axis is neither tilted toward nor away from the Sun and, therefore, the sunlight is distributed evenly between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

As we move beyond the March Equinox, more direct sunlight like longer days and warmer temperatures, reaches the Northern Hemisphere and eventually leads to the gradual transition to spring throughout the continental USA.

What Happens During an Equinox?

The term Equation is derived from the Latin word "equi," meaning equal, and "nox," meaning night; therefore, referring to the nearly equal duration of day and night at this time.

Even though daylight or darkness may not truly be equal at this point throughout the globe because of the Sun's size and also because of atmospheric refraction, the equinox is considered to be the point where equal daylight and darkness occur.

So, when the Equinox happens, the season transitions to Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and transitions to Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

Signs of Spring After the Equinox

• Earlier sunrise/longer day length
• Warmer temperatures
• Planting/budding/blooming of Plants
• Animals emerging from their Winter  Dormancy
• Greater daylight will continue until the Summer Solstice (the beginning of Summer in June).