When Exactly Does Fall Start?
The air is getting crisper, the days are getting shorter, and the question on everyone’s mind is: When does Fall 2026 officially begin? While we all have our own personal “start” to the season—whether it’s the first sip of a pumpkin latte or the first day of school—science actually gives us two different answers.
The Astronomical Start: The Autumnal Equinox
In 2026, the Autumnal Equinox occurs on September 22, 2026, at 8:05 PM EDT. This is the precise moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night nearly equal in length. For most of the Northern Hemisphere, this is the “official” moment we say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn.
| Year | First Day of Fall | Day of the Week | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 22, 2025 | Monday | Loading… |
| 2026 | September 23, 2026 | Wednesday | Loading… |
| 2027 | September 23, 2027 | Thursday | Loading… |
| 2028 | September 22, 2028 | Friday | Loading… |
| 2029 | September 22, 2029 | Saturday | Loading… |
| 2030 | September 22, 2030 | Sunday | Loading… |
The Meteorological Start: September 1st
If you prefer a cleaner calendar, you might follow Meteorological Fall. Meteorologists divide the year into four equal quarters to make record-keeping easier. According to this system, fall begins strictly on September 1st and ends on November 30th. If you’re already wearing flannels by Labor Day, you’re likely a fan of the meteorological schedule!
Why the Date Changes Every Year?
You might notice that the first day of fall isn’t always on the same day. This is because a calendar year (365 days) doesn’t perfectly match the time it takes for Earth to orbit the sun (365.25 days). This slight discrepancy is why the equinox can shift between September 21st and 24th.
Track the Transition in Real-Time
Whatever date you choose to follow, the anticipation is half the fun. Our Live Fall Countdown tracks every second, minute, and hour remaining until the leaves begin to turn.
🍁 🍂 🍁 Pro-Tip: If you’re already planning your autumn porch display or looking for the perfect harvest wreath, head over to our Autumn Goods page to see the top trends for 2026.