Ready to Step into Spring? This Is When the Season Changes in 2024
Let's go ahead and give it up for spring. Coming in hot right after winter, it's probably one of the most anticipated seasons. Between the vibrant flowers, warmer weather, extra light in the evenings, and an abundance of holidays like Easter and Lent—it's a favorite for a reason. Plus, it's a perfect excuse to sip on some spring cocktails and enjoy berry delicious spring desserts.
But we just have one question... when is the first day of spring in 2024? And what's the official, scientific, by-the-book method for determining that date?
To answer both of these age-old questions, you'll need to take a quick meteorological lesson. We're here to simplify, educate, and enlighten—and get you out the door in time to plan your spring decorating as well as your plans for Mother's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Earth Day in the season beyond. So, read on to figure out when spring will, well, spring!
What is the official first day of spring?
Well, it all depends on where you are. In 2024, the March equinox will occur on Tuesday, March 19, at 11:06 P.M. EST. If you happen to reside in the Northern Hemisphere, this date will also mark the start of the spring season. But if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, the March equinox actually ushers in autumn and colder weather.
What's more, most meteorologists recognize March 1 as the first day of meteorological spring (with the last day being May 31). Rather than basing its reasoning on the earth's rotation, this calculation system looks at annual temperature cycles to decide when spring really begins, splitting the year into three-month periods for each season.
What determines the first day of spring?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox (or "spring equinox") determines the first day of spring—and this year, it falls on March 19. And while it happens at the exact moment worldwide, clock times in different parts of the hemispheres will reflect different time zones.
What is the spring equinox, and why is it the first day of spring?
The equinox simply means that the length of day and night are (almost!) equal. (In fact, the word "equinox" comes from two Latin words that together mean "equal night": aequus (equal) and nox (night). So, on March 19, we'll have approximately 12 hours of sunlight! After this day, this hemisphere starts tilting toward the sun, which means more daylight each day and warmer, springier weather. Hello, redbuds!
You'll also want to remember the time change happening prior to the March equinox. We spring forward for Daylight Saving Time on March 10, which helps us to enjoy that extra daylight on the first day of the season.
Did the groundhog see his shadow in 2024?
Although the first day of spring is March 19, that doesn't actually mean it'll feel like spring. And while we can't predict when exactly those warmer temperatures will grace our doorsteps, there is someone (or something) who can... kinda. People have been looking to Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow for years to determine if we can soon expect spring-like temperatures or if winter weather will continue. This Groundhog Day, Phil did not see his shadow, which means an early spring should be on the way. Fingers crossed, we can soon break out our spring clothing!
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