When is the September equinox in 2026?

The September equinox occurs at 00:05 UTC on September 23, 2026. In much of the Americas, that same instant falls on the evening of September 22.

Does the September equinox begin autumn or spring?

Both, depending on hemisphere. It begins astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

Are day and night exactly equal on the equinox?

Not usually. They are close to equal, but atmospheric refraction and the way sunrise and sunset are defined mean the exact duration of daylight varies by latitude.

The Equinox: A Celebration of Balance, Light and Transformation

What the September equinox is, why the hemispheres receive it differently and how people across cultures have marked the turning of light, season and harvest.

Category: Equinox
Published: September 6, 2026
Author: Ashe
Read time: 8 min

Frequently asked questions

When is the September equinox in 2026?: The September equinox occurs at 00:05 UTC on September 23, 2026. In much of the Americas, that same instant falls on the evening of September 22.
Does the September equinox begin autumn or spring?: Both, depending on hemisphere. It begins astronomical autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Are day and night exactly equal on the equinox?: Not usually. They are close to equal, but atmospheric refraction and the way sunrise and sunset are defined mean the exact duration of daylight varies by latitude.