Spring equinox
The spring equinox falls around 20 March in the UK.
Countdown
252
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Next date
Saturday, 20 March 2027
Spring equinox 2027
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Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Countdown | Region / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring equinox 2027 | Saturday, 20 March 2027 | In 8 months | UK |
| Spring equinox 2028 | Monday, 20 March 2028 | In 1 year 8 months | UK |
| Spring equinox 2029 | Tuesday, 20 March 2029 | In 2 years 8 months | UK |
The spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward, producing roughly equal hours of daylight and darkness. In the UK it falls around 20 March each year. This is the astronomical start of spring, distinct from the meteorological start on 1 March. After the equinox, days become longer than nights until the summer solstice in June. The equinox has been marked at ancient sites including Stonehenge for thousands of years.
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Questions
When is the spring equinox in the UK in 2027?
Around 20 March 2027. The exact time varies slightly year to year.
What is the difference between astronomical and meteorological spring?
Meteorological spring starts on 1 March. Astronomical spring starts at the equinox, around 20 March.
Are day and night exactly equal on the equinox?
Almost — atmospheric refraction means daylight is slightly longer than 12 hours on the equinox day.
Does the spring equinox fall on the same date every year?
It falls on or around 20 March each year but can shift by a day due to the way leap years work.