Retrograde usually means a planet appears to move backward in the sky from Earth’s point of view, and for Mercury that motion is an optical illusion, not an actual reversal of its orbit. Mercury retrograde in 2026 starts on February 26, June 29, and October 24.

What it means

In astrology, “retrograde” is a period many people associate with delays, mix- ups, and communication problems, especially for Mercury. Astronomically, the key point is that the planet only seems to move backward because of how Earth and that planet move around the Sun.

When it starts

For 2026, the Mercury retrograde periods listed are:

  • February 26 to March 20.
  • June 29 to July 23.
  • October 24 to November 13.

If you meant a different planet’s retrograde, the start date changes depending on the planet.