McDonald’s Shamrock Shakes for 2026 are expected to be available starting February 17, 2026 , and to stick around through St. Patrick’s Day (around March 17), with the exact end date varying by location and when stock runs out.

Quick Scoop: 2026 Shamrock Shake Timing

  • A January 2026 industry write‑up reports that Shamrock Shakes are “due to arrive on Tuesday, February 17” for the 2026 season.
  • McDonald’s official FAQ says the Shamrock Shake “usually” appears in March and only for a limited time at participating restaurants, but in recent years many U.S. locations have rolled it out in early–mid February.
  • Historically, the shake disappears shortly after St. Patrick’s Day , though some stores keep it a bit longer if they still have syrup and stock.

So the practical window to plan around in 2026 is roughly:

  • Launch: February 17, 2026 (some local variation likely).
  • Main season: Late February through March 17.
  • Phase‑out: Around or shortly after March 17, depending on your specific McDonald’s.

Because availability is “at participating locations only” and depends on inventory, it’s smart to check your local store’s app or menu in late February to be sure.

Mini Timeline: Recent Years

This gives context for why 2026 is landing in mid‑February:

  • 2024: Shamrock Shake available from February 5 in the U.S.
  • 2025: Release moved to February 10.
  • 2026: Reported rollout on February 17 , slightly later than 2024–25 but still a month before St. Patrick’s Day.

The pattern: early‑to‑mid February launch, limited‑time run through the holiday, then gone.

Region Notes (U.S. vs. UK)

If you’re outside the U.S., timing can shift:

  • United States: The February 17, 2026 date refers to U.S. availability and fits the recent early‑February tradition.
  • United Kingdom: A 2025 UK press release set dates from March 12–25 and emphasized a two‑week only window, showing that regional promotions can be shorter and differently timed.

Always check:

  1. Your country’s McDonald’s site or app.
  2. Local store listings a week or two before March 17.

Forum & Trend Chatter

On forums in past years, employees and locals often leak or confirm dates a bit before official announcements, and they frequently note:

  • Machines can be “down,” so even during the season you might have to try more than one location.
  • Some stores have kept Shamrock Shakes into late March or even early May when syrup remained, but that’s the exception, not the rule.

Bottom line: For 2026, aim to grab your Shamrock Shake between February 17 and St. Patrick’s Day , and confirm in your McDonald’s app or at your local store as dates and participation can vary.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.