Many people wonder when spring actually starts. Does it make its debut on March 1st or does it officially get marked on the calendar later on in March when it is the 'spring equinox'? You're about to find out this and many other interesting facts about the equinox and the proper start of one of the most beautiful and yearned seasons of the year.
When Does Spring Start and What Is the First Day of Spring in 2025?
The first day of spring in 2025 will officially begin on Thursday, March 20th, marking the arrival of the spring equinox. This astronomical event occurs when the Earth’s tilt and orbit align in such a way that the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe.
For those who closely follow the changing seasons, the spring equinox is more than just a date on the calendar—it signifies the official transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere and from summer to autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Interestingly, the equinox doesn’t fall on the same date every year due to the way our modern calendar accounts for leap years and the Earth’s slightly irregular orbit around the Sun.
The Spring Equinox Explained
The spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (also called the March equinox or vernal equinox across the globe) occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator going south to north. It’s called the 'celestial' equator because it’s an imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator.
During this 'phenomenon', or change of seasons, the Northern and Southern Hemisphere receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight where neither of them is tilted more toward or away from the Sun than the other.
During the winter solstice, the amount of daylight has been growing daily in most regions (the North Pole and the equator being exceptions), but following the seaon's equinox, many places will see more daylight than darkness in each 24-hour day up to the summer solstice in June, when there is a longer time of daylight, resulting in the amount of daylight each day growing.
Did you know equinoxes are the only two times each year that the Sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on earth? While the Sun passes overhead, the tilt of the earth is zero relative to the Sun, which means that Earth’s axis neither points toward nor away from it.
Does Spring Begin on March 1st or During the Equinox?
Would you believe when experts say the answer is both? Depending on how you define 'spring', the answer will vary. The only difference between the two dates is that they are both precise. Astronomically speaking, the first day of spring is marked by the spring equinox, which falls on March 19, 20, or 21 every year. The equinox happens at the same moment worldwide, although clock times reflect a different time zone.
Video: @urbanflowerco
And, as mentioned above, this date only signals spring’s beginning in the Northern Hemisphere while announcing fall’s arrival in the Southern Hemisphere. Interestingly, due to time zone differences, there isn’t a March 21 equinox in mainland U.S. during the entire 21st century! The United States won’t see a March 21 equinox again until 2101.
Daffodils - The Official Spring Flower
The daffodil (Narcissus) is the March birth flower. It represents rebirth and renewal and is also known as the 'flower of spring'. Native to the Mediterranean region, these trumpet-shaped flowers are available in various shades of yellow, ranging from pale to more sunlit yellow and orange colors. Their delightful odor and nature make them a favorite for both indoor and outdoor arrangements.
Beyond their beauty, daffodils also have cultural and historical significance. In many traditions, they are seen as a sign of good luck and prosperity. However, they should be given in bunches, as a single daffodil is sometimes thought to bring misfortune. These hardy flowers thrive in various climates and return year after year, making them a lasting symbol of renewal and growth.
Photo: @tulipinaitalia
It is very common to see abundant amounts of yellow flowers when kicking off the spring season. For that reason, here are 'Types of Yellow Flowers and Their Meanings', an article you can read to get informed as to what yellow flowers you want to have this spring.
Fun Ideas to Start the Upcoming Spring Season
Here are some ideas for how to welcome the month of blooming flowers and delightful weather in many parts of the world:
- Watch the arc of the Sun across the sky as it shifts toward the north. Birds are migrating northward, along with the path of the Sun.
- Are you noticing that the days are getting longer? Go outside, catch a break, and look at the sunset!
- Are daffodils poking up their heads? Trees, shrubs, and flowers are sensitive to temperature and day length, too! Not only daffodils but Campanulas are also in bloom during spring.
- Do you plan to garden? The first day of spring is a traditional day to start in the garden. Read the article '9 Spring Bulbs You Can Plant in Your Garden This Fall' to see what flowers can beautify your backyard this season.
Photo: @canterburyccuni
As you may have also heard, the Netherlands is one of the most beautiful countries where people get extremely excited for the spring season because it means that multi-colored tulips will invade fields all over. Read 'Netherlands - The Land of Tulips' to know what tulip fields you should visit and exactly when.
