There’s no denying that the transition from hot summer afternoons to crisp full evenings is pure magic: Leaves change colors, cable-knit sweaters come out of hiding, and pumpkin spice treats pop up everywhere. For these and many more reasons, autumn is Ree Drummond’s absolute favorite season. "There's something truly special about this time of year, when the relentless heat fades away and life settles back into a comforting routine," she says.
If you’ve been dreaming about football tailgates, corn mazes, and apple cider, you’re probably wondering when cozy season officially begins. The start of fall all hinges on the autumnal equinox, which slightly shifts from year to year. Chances are, you’ve heard of the term “equinox,” but if you’re unsure what it actually means, allow us to give you a brief explainer: Every year, two equinoxes, autumnal and vernal, take place. During these natural phenomena, Earth's axis neither tilts toward nor away from the sun, so both hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight, meaning there’s equal daylight and darkness worldwide. Unlike solstices, which define the longest and shortest days of the year, the equinoxes signal the beginning of spring and fall.
Now that you're caught up on the basics, keep reading to find out exactly when you'll want to mark your calendar for the first day of fall in 2026!
When Is the First Day of Fall in 2026?
The first day of fall lands on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. (But remember, this applies to the Northern Hemisphere only. For folks south of the equator, September 22 marks the start of spring!) If you want to celebrate fall’s arrival at the very minute the seasons change, this year’s event happens at exactly 8:05 p.m. EDT (Eastern Time), 7:05 p.m. CDT (Central Time), 6:05 p.m. MDT (Mountain Time), and 5:05 p.m. PDT (Pacific Time).
Does Fall Start on the Same Day Every Year?
Typically, the start of autumn takes place on September 22 or 23. That said, it is possible for the first day of fall to begin as early as September 21 or as late as September 24, but it’s extremely rare—the last September 21 equinox occurred over 1,000 years ago, and the next September 24 equinox won't happen until 2303!
What Is the Autumnal Equinox?
The autumnal equinox is an astronomical event that signifies the beginning of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It happens when the Sun crosses the equator and day and night are nearly equal in length around the world—the term "equinox" literally means “equal night” in Latin! From this point forward, days gradually become shorter and nights become longer until the winter solstice arrives. If losing sunlight feels a bit gloomy, just think of all the cozy fall movies you'll now have an excuse to binge-watch!
Although the autumnal equinox officially signals the start of fall, it's also wrapped up in myth and folklore. In ancient Greece, for instance, the event was said to mark Persephone's return to the underworld, which caused her mother, Demeter, to mourn by halting all growth on earth until spring.
Regardless of the history, fall will be here before you know it! Once the autumnal equinox arrives, you’ll get to enjoy all the cozy comfort that the season has to offer.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
