when is the autumn equinox
The autumn equinox in 2026 occurs on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 , at 8:05 p.m. EDT (which is 00:05 UTC on Wednesday, September 23, 2026).
What the autumn equinox means
- In the Northern Hemisphere , this moment marks the astronomical start of autumn and the end of summer.
- In the Southern Hemisphere , the same equinox marks the start of spring.
- On the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length everywhere on Earth, though not exactly 12 hours due to atmospheric refraction and how sunrise/sunset are defined.
Quick date reference (Northern Hemisphere)
Here’s a compact view of the 2026 autumn equinox:
| Event | Date (local) | Time (local) | Time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn equinox 2026 (Northern Hemisphere) | Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 8:05 p.m. EDT (New York) | 00:05 UTC, Wednesday, September 23, 2026 |
If you tell me your city or time zone, I can convert the exact moment to your local clock.