About Autumn Equinox (September Equinox)
The September equinox — the astronomical first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere — falls around September 22–23, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. From this moment, northern nights grow longer than days until the December solstice. The countdown above targets the next one.
Cultures mark the moment everywhere: it anchors the Mid-Autumn Festival season in East Asia, Japan observes the equinox as a public holiday (Higan, a time for honoring ancestors), and harvest festivals across Europe trace back to this turning point. For the Southern Hemisphere, the same instant launches spring.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Wednesday, September 23, 2026next |
| 2027 | Thursday, September 23, 2027 |
| 2028 | Friday, September 22, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, September 22, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, September 22, 2030 |
FAQ
When is the autumn equinox 2026?
September 23, 2026 — see the upcoming-dates table for each year's exact date (September 22 or 23).
What happens at the equinox?
The Sun crosses the celestial equator — day and night are nearly equal worldwide, and the hemispheres trade seasons.
Is the equinox a holiday anywhere?
Japan marks Autumnal Equinox Day as a national holiday — a traditional time for family graves and remembrance.