Ash Wednesday in 2026 is on Wednesday, February 18.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, falling 46 days before Easter Sunday and coming right after Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday). It is observed by many Christians with ashes placed on the forehead, along with fasting, prayer, and penance.

If you were instead asking in general “when is Ash Wednesday,” the pattern is:

  • It is always a Wednesday.
  • It is exactly 46 days before Easter (40 fasting days, not counting Sundays).