Here Is When Spring Officially Starts In 2026

If you have been counting down the days until warmer weather, you are not alone.

The first official day of spring in 2026 arrives on Friday, March 20th, at 9:46 a.m. CST. That moment is known as the Spring Equinox, and it marks the official start of the spring season in North America.

What Is The Spring Equinox

According to The Farmers’ Almanac, the spring equinox marks the point when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the globe.

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It is the astronomical beginning of spring, even though many of us were taught growing up that spring always starts on March 21st.

Why The Date Changes

Traditionally, March 21st was widely recognized as the first day of spring. However, astronomers and modern calendar calculations show that spring now typically begins on March 20th in all time zones across North America.

The exact date can shift slightly from year to year due to the Earth’s orbit and the way our calendar accounts for leap years.

In fact, in 2024, spring began on March 19th, making it the earliest first day of spring in 128 years.

Read More: When Does Daylight Saving Time Begin in 2026?

What It Means For Indiana And The Tri-State

For those of us in Indiana, Kentucky, & Illinois, the arrival of the spring equinox means longer daylight hours and the gradual warming trend many of us are ready for.

While March weather can still feel unpredictable in the Midwest and the Ohio Valley, the equinox signals that winter is officially on its way out.

Whether you celebrate with planting flowers, planning road trips, or simply enjoying a little more sunlight after work, March 20 at 9:46 a.m. CST marks the official seasonal shift.

Spring is almost here.