When does spring start? Here's everything to know about the season of fresh starts

Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
Updated ·5 min read

We're not even halfway through winter and people are already looking forward to taking off their heavy coats and welcoming the arrival of spring.

Spring holds profound importance as it signifies a season of renewal and transformation. The awakening of dormant plants, the blossoming of flowers and the return of vibrant colors are welcome signs of spring.

For many people, spring represents a welcome transition from the cold and dreary winter months, fostering a sense of optimism and positivity. Its importance extends beyond the natural world, as the warmer weather encourages outdoor activities, community events and a general uplift in mood.

Here is everything you need to know about spring 2024.

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When exactly does spring 2024 begin?

According to Time and Date, spring 2024 starts at 8:06 p.m. Arizona time on March 19.

What is the true first day of spring?

In most years, the first day of spring lands on March 20. However, in 2024, spring arrives a day earlier, on March 19. This is because 2024 is a leap year and February 2024 will have an extra day.

When does spring 2024 end?

The last day of spring this year is Thursday, June 20, 2024.

Which months are spring?

There are two ways to define which months are according to AccuWeather: meteorological spring and astronomical spring.

  • Meteorological spring: Meteorological spring is based on the calendar months and is consistent yearly. It encompasses March, April and May. Meteorological spring is based on the annual temperature cycle and is closely aligned with the Gregorian calendar. Dividing the year into quarters makes it easier for meteorologists to compare seasonal and monthly statistics.

  • Astronomical spring: Astronomical spring is based on the position of the Earth relative to the sun. It occurs around March 20. Astronomical seasons are based on the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun. Astronomical spring begins when daylight and darkness are approximately equal — the vernal equinox in spring — and ends when the Northern Hemisphere experiences its longest day, the summer solstice.

Is spring the longest day of the year?

Spring does not contain the longest day of the year. The longest day of the year occurs on the summer solstice, typically around June 20. The summer solstice marks the moment when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

What are the 2 equinoxes called?

There are two equinoxes — the vernal or spring equinox and the autumnal equinox — not four. Equinoxes mark the points in Earth's orbit around the sun when day and night are about the same length.

Here are the equinoxes in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the National Weather Service:

  • Vernal equinox (spring equinox): This equinox occurs around March 20 or 21 and marks the beginning of spring. The sun appears to be directly over the equator, and day and night are roughly equal in length.

  • Autumnal equinox (fall equinox): This equinox takes place around Sept. 22 or 23 and signals the start of fall. Similar to the vernal equinox, day and night are nearly equal.

Correspondingly, in the Southern Hemisphere:

  • Autumnal equinox: The Southern Hemisphere's autumnal equinox occurs around March 20 or 21 and marks the beginning of fall there.

  • Vernal equinox (spring equinox): The Southern Hemisphere experiences its vernal equinox around Sept. 22 or 23, marking the start of spring there.

What is the vernal equinox in simple terms?

According to National Geographic, the vernal equinox is the point in the year when day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon occurs around March 20 each year.

During the vernal equinox, the Earth's axis is not tilted toward or away from the sun, so the sun's rays are directly over the equator. This leads to nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness for most locations on Earth on this day.

What happens to the vernal equinox?

Several astronomical events occur at the vernal equinox as a result of the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. Here are some key phenomena associated with the vernal equinox, according to the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service:

  • Equal day and night: The most noticeable characteristic of the spring equinox is that day and night are approximately the same length. Because the Earth's axis is not tilted toward or away from the sun, both the Northern and Southern hemispheres receive roughly the same amount of sunlight that day.

  • Beginning of spring (Northern Hemisphere): The vernal equinox marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. As the sun's rays become more direct, temperatures generally begin to rise and days continue to lengthen.

  • End of summer (Southern Hemisphere): In the Southern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox signifies the end of summer and the start of autumn.

What is the true meaning of spring?

Scientifically, spring is characterized by the rejuvenation of nature, marked by blossoming flowers, warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.

In a metaphorical sense, spring symbolizes renewal, growth and fresh beginnings. "Spring" is often used to express a period of revitalization or the emergence of new ideas, opportunities and possibilities, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's when spring 2024 starts and what the vernal equinox is