The four astronomical turning points of the year arrive on predictable dates, but the exact day and time depend on where you live. If you are searching for the equinox and solstice dates for 2026, here is the full list in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), followed by what each moment means, how to convert it to your time zone and what to watch for. Some of this year’s dates have already passed, so we have marked what is still to come.
The 2026 dates at a glance
| Event | Date (UTC) | Time (UTC) | Northern Hemisphere | Southern Hemisphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | 20 March 2026 | about 14:46 | Start of spring | Start of autumn |
| June solstice | 21 June 2026 | about 08:24 | Start of summer | Start of winter |
| September equinox | 23 September 2026 | about 00:05 | Start of autumn | Start of spring |
| December solstice | 21 December 2026 | about 20:50 | Start of winter | Start of summer |
As of late October 2026, the first three events have occurred, and the December solstice is still ahead.
Converting to your local time
The equinoxes and solstices are instants in time, the same for everyone on Earth. What changes is the clock reading. To find your local date and time:
- Take the UTC time from the table.
- Add or subtract your time zone offset. For example, a location at UTC+1 adds one hour, while one at UTC-5 subtracts five hours.
- Remember daylight saving time if it applies on that date.
- Check whether the result crosses midnight, which changes the date.
For instance, the September equinox at around 00:05 UTC falls on 23 September in places east of UTC, such as most of Europe, Asia and Australia, but on 22 September in the Americas, where it is still the evening before. The December solstice at around 20:50 UTC falls late on 21 December in much of Europe and the Americas, and already on 22 December in parts of Asia and Australia.
That is why you will see different dates quoted in different countries. Both are correct for their time zones.
What each date means
March equinox (20 March)
The Sun crosses the celestial equator heading north. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the astronomical start of spring, also called the vernal equinox. In the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the start of autumn. Day and night are close to equal, and daylight is lengthening quickly in the north. Our equinox explainer details the science.
June solstice (21 June)
The Sun reaches its most northerly position. It’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest in the Southern. North of the Arctic Circle, the Sun stays above the horizon for at least 24 hours, and south of the Antarctic Circle the Sun does not rise.
September equinox (23 September)
The Sun crosses the equator heading south. It marks the start of autumn in the north and spring in the south. Daylight in the north is now shortening quickly.
December solstice (21 December)
The Sun reaches its most southerly position. It’s the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. Days in the north begin to lengthen again, though the coldest weather often comes later because of seasonal lag.
Astronomical vs meteorological seasons in 2026
Many weather services use meteorological seasons, which start on fixed dates.
| Season (Northern Hemisphere) | Astronomical start | Meteorological start |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 20 March | 1 March |
| Summer | 21 June | 1 June |
| Autumn | 23 September | 1 September |
| Winter | 21 December | 1 December |
Both are valid. The astronomical definition follows Earth’s position in orbit, and the meteorological one simplifies weather statistics. For the Southern Hemisphere, shift the seasons by six months.
Why the dates shift from year to year
The equinoxes and solstices do not always fall on the same calendar date. A calendar year has 365 days, while Earth’s orbit takes slightly longer, about a quarter of a day extra. The leap year system corrects this, but the cycle causes the events to drift by several hours each year and reset every four years. As a result, the March equinox may land on the 19th, 20th or 21st, and the same applies in other months.
Day length trends around each date
Day length changes at different speeds through the year.
- Around the equinoxes, the change is fastest, often a few minutes per day in mid-latitudes.
- Around the solstices, the change is slowest, which is why the days seem to stand still. The word solstice comes from Latin for “Sun standing still.”
If you’d like to estimate daylight at your own latitude, our guide to calculating day length around the solstice shows how.
Ideas for marking the dates
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from a fixed spot and note where it rises against the horizon. See how to observe sunrise and sunset on the equinox.
- Track shadows. Measure a stick’s noon shadow on each key date.
- Go stargazing. Seasonal changes also change which constellations are visible at night. Check how to plan a stargazing night for beginners.
- Use an app to set reminders and simulate the Sun’s path. See best astronomy apps.
- Join local events. Some communities, museums and observatories host gatherings near these dates.
- Explain it to kids with a lamp and ball; see how to explain Earth’s axial tilt to kids.
Frequently asked questions
When is the first day of spring in 2026?
Astronomically, 20 March 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere (UTC date), and meteorologically 1 March.
When is the shortest day of 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere?
At the December solstice, around 21 December 2026.
Why does my calendar show a different date?
Calendars may use your local time zone, or a different definition of seasons.
Where can I verify these dates?
Check a national observatory, an astronomical almanac or a reputable astronomy organization.
Solstices and Equinoxes: Complete Guide to Earth’s Seasons
Equinox Explained: What Happens and Why It Matters
Conclusion
The 2026 turning points fall on 20 March, 21 June, 23 September and 21 December (UTC), with the December solstice the one still to come. Convert the times to your own zone, verify them against an official almanac and mark the next one by watching the Sun’s path from a place you can revisit.
