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First Day of Fall 2026: Exact Date, Time and What It Means

Fall 2026 begins Tuesday, September 22, at 8:05 p.m. EDT. See the equinox time in every U.S. time zone, plus the Harvest Moon, foliage forecast and fall weather outlook.

By Newstod Editorial Team · September 18, 2026 — 5:44 PM · 8 views

Autumn trees with orange and red leaves marking the first day of fall 2026 in the USA

First Day of Fall 2026: Exact Date, Time and What It Means for the USA

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Meta description: The first day of fall 2026 is Tuesday, September 22, at 8:05 p.m. EDT. Get the exact equinox time for every U.S. time zone, plus the Harvest Moon, foliage forecast, and what the season means.

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Quick Answer: When Is the First Day of Fall in 2026?

Astronomical fall begins on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in the United States. The autumnal equinox happens at 00:05 UTC on September 23, which is still September 22 across the USA. That works out to 8:05 PM EDT, 7:05 PM CDT, 6:05 PM MDT, and 5:05 PM PDT. In Arizona, where the clock stays on standard time, Lowell Observatory lists the moment as 5:05 p.m. MST. Star Walk Lowell Observatory

You may see 8:04 p.m. EDT in some places. The Almanac's page, for example, gives 8:04 P.M. EDT. Most other sources, including timeanddate.com, list 8:05 p.m. EDT for New York. The gap is a rounding difference of about a minute. It doesn't change the date anywhere in the country. The Old Farmer's Almanac timeanddate

Meteorological fall started earlier, on September 1, 2026. Which "first day of fall" you count depends on whether you follow the astronomical or the meteorological calendar. Both are explained below.

First day of fall 2026 at a glance
Autumnal equinox 2026 time by U.S. time zone
Why the date is September 22 in the USA but September 23 in some countries
What is the autumnal equinox?
Astronomical fall vs. meteorological fall
What the first day of fall means for daylight
The Harvest Moon and Saturn: fall 2026's first big sky event
Fall 2026 weather outlook for the USA
Fall foliage 2026: when and where colors will peak
What the first day of fall means for gardeners, farmers, and homeowners
Traditions, folklore, and cultural meaning
Key dates in fall 2026
Common myths about the equinox
Frequently asked questions
Sources and further reading

First Day of Fall 2026 at a Glance

Detail2026 InformationAstronomical first day of fall (USA)Tuesday, September 22, 2026Autumnal equinox moment00:05 UTC, September 23 (8:05 p.m. EDT, September 22)Meteorological first day of fallTuesday, September 1, 2026Fall ends (astronomical)December 21, 2026 (winter solstice)Fall ends (meteorological)November 30, 2026Harvest MoonSaturday, September 26, 2026Daylight saving time endsSunday, November 1, 2026

Autumnal Equinox 2026 Time by U.S. Time Zone

The equinox is one instant that happens everywhere on Earth at once. Only the clock reading changes with your time zone.

U.S. Time ZoneLocal Time of EquinoxDateEastern (EDT)8:05 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 22Central (CDT)7:05 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 22Mountain (MDT)6:05 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 22Arizona (MST)5:05 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 22Pacific (PDT)5:05 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 22Alaska (AKDT)4:05 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 22Hawaii (HST)2:05 p.m.Tuesday, Sept. 22

Every U.S. time zone, including Alaska and Hawaii, sees the equinox on September 22. If you're in Europe, Africa, or Asia, the same moment falls on September 23 because you're already past midnight UTC.

For any other city, use the timeanddate.com autumnal equinox calculator or the Almanac's equinox page.

Why Is It September 22 in the USA but September 23 Elsewhere?

Because the equinox is a precise moment, not a full day, the calendar date depends on where you are. The equinox lands just after midnight UTC, so North America is still on September 22 when it happens. Someone in Pakistan, for example, would see it at 5:05 a.m. on September 23. Memorialday2026

The date of the September equinox can fall anywhere from September 21 to 24. It shifts because the calendar year (365 days) doesn't match the length of Earth's orbit (about 365.24 days). Leap years pull the date back, and century years such as 2100 nudge it around a little. Star Walk

For Americans, the practical rule is that the 2026 first day of fall is September 22. Some school calendars, greeting cards, and international websites will say September 23, and that is UTC-based.

What Is the Autumnal Equinox?

The autumnal equinox, also called the fall equinox or September equinox, is the astronomical event that begins fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the Sun's center crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary extension of Earth's equator into space, heading south. The Old Farmer's Almanac

Why it happens

Earth's axis is tilted about 23.4 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. That tilt is the reason we have seasons. It has nothing to do with Earth being closer to or farther from the Sun. In fact, Earth is closest to the Sun in early January.

Around the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere leans toward the Sun, giving long days and high sun angles.
Around the December solstice, it leans away, giving short days and low sun angles.
At the two equinoxes, the tilt is sideways relative to the Sun, so neither hemisphere leans toward or away from it.

At the equinox, the Sun's rays are aimed straight at the equator rather than at either pole. After that moment, the Northern Hemisphere begins tilting away from the Sun. Farmers' Almanac

What the word "equinox" means

"Equinox" comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). The name suggests equal day and night, and that's roughly right, though not exact (see the myths section below). The Old Farmer's Almanac

It's spring in the Southern Hemisphere

The September equinox marks fall in the north and spring in the south. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile are all beginning their spring. The Southern Hemisphere's fall began earlier, at the March equinox on March 20, 2026. timeanddate

Astronomical Fall vs. Meteorological Fall

Two definitions of "first day of fall" are in common use in the United States.

Astronomical fall: September 22, 2026

Astronomers mark the seasons by Earth's position in its orbit. Fall runs from the September equinox to the December solstice. Because Earth's orbit is slightly elliptical, the seasons aren't the same length. Fall is about 89 days, a little shorter than spring or summer.

Meteorological fall: September 1, 2026

Meteorologists and climatologists prefer clean, consistent blocks of whole months. Meteorological fall covers September, October, and November. It makes record-keeping and forecasting easier, because statistics for "fall" always cover the same three calendar months. By the meteorological definition, fall began on September 1, 2026. Star Walk

This is why the National Weather Service and the NOAA Climate Prediction Center issue their "fall outlook" for September through November rather than for the equinox-to-solstice window.

Which one is "right"?

Both. If you're asking when the season astronomically begins, it's September 22. If you're asking about seasonal weather and climate statistics, it began September 1. Many people also keep a third, informal definition: fall starts when the first pumpkin spice latte hits the menu, the high school football season starts, or the first crisp morning arrives.

What the First Day of Fall Means for Daylight

After the equinox, the Northern Hemisphere enters a stretch where nights are longer than days. Days grow shorter as the Sun rises later and sets earlier, and that continues until the winter solstice, after which daylight starts to increase again. The Old Farmer's Almanac

How fast are the days shrinking?

Faster than at any other time of year. The day-to-day change in daylight is greatest around the equinoxes, and after the fall equinox days keep shortening at a gradually slowing pace. In much of the continental U.S., you lose roughly 2 to 3 minutes of daylight per day in late September, more the farther north you live. By the end of October, the loss has added up to well over an hour compared with the equinox. timeanddate

Where the Sun rises and sets

On the equinox, the Sun rises due east and sets due west, and in the following weeks its arc gets lower in the sky as it moves farther south along the horizon. This makes the equinox a good day to find true east and west from your own backyard. Mark where the Sun comes up over a landmark, then watch that spot slide southward through October. Lowell Observatory

The "equilux"

Day and night aren't exactly equal on the equinox. The date when they're closest to equal, called the equilux, comes a few days later for most Americans. The reason is that sunrise and sunset are timed by the top edge of the Sun and are bent by atmospheric refraction, which adds a few minutes of daylight. The exact date varies by latitude.

Time changes ahead

Daylight saving time doesn't change on the equinox. In the U.S., clocks "fall back" one hour on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Until then, sunsets in late September and October will keep getting earlier, and the switch will reset them to about an hour earlier on the clock.

The Harvest Moon and Saturn: Fall 2026's First Sky Show

The first full Moon of the astronomical fall season is a famous one.

When is the 2026 Harvest Moon?

The Harvest Moon peaks on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 12:49 p.m. EDT (16:49 UTC). Since that's during the day in North America, the Moon will still be below the horizon at that moment. The best viewing is after sunset on the evenings of September 25, 26, and 27, when it rises near dusk and looks full. Farmers' Almanac

What makes it the "Harvest Moon"?

The Harvest Moon isn't tied to a particular month. It's the full Moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2026, that's the September 26 full Moon. The October one comes on October 26, more than five weeks after the equinox. Around the equinox, the Moon rises only a little later each evening than the night before. That gives several consecutive nights of bright moonlight near sunset, which traditionally helped farmers work late to bring in their crops. Harvest Moon 2026: September Full Moon Date, Folklore, and Viewing Guide +2

Saturn joins the Moon

There's a bonus this year. According to NASA's September skywatching guide, Saturn will appear near the Harvest Moon on September 26 and should be visible to the naked eye. Neptune will also be nearby but needs binoculars or a telescope. Check NASA's skywatching resources for updates. Farmers' Almanac

What's next: the Hunter's Moon

The next full Moon after the Harvest Moon is the Hunter's Moon, reaching peak illumination just after midnight Eastern Time on October 26 (12:12 a.m. EDT). For Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii time, that moment falls on the evening of October 25. There are 13 full Moons in 2026, and the extra one was the May 31 Blue Moon. Farmers' AlmanacFarmers' Almanac

Full Moon dates and times can differ slightly between sources because of time zones, so it's worth checking the Farmers' Almanac full Moon calendar or the timeanddate.com Harvest Moon page.

Fall 2026 Weather Outlook for the USA

Here's what forecasters are saying about the season ahead. Seasonal outlooks show tendencies, not guarantees, and they're not a forecast for a specific day.

The big driver: El Niño

NOAA's latest outlook says much of the country will likely see warmer-than-normal temperatures this fall, with a strong El Niño building toward peak strength. El Niño is a periodic warming of the tropical Pacific that shifts the jet stream and changes rainfall and temperature patterns across North America. WSPA

Temperatures

For October through December, the highest odds of above-average warmth are in the far northern states, plus California and Nevada. A few states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, aren't leaning warm or cool, meaning the forecast has equal chances of warm, cool, or normal. WSPAWSPA

Forecasters also expect the pattern to shift as the season goes on. Weather.com's outlook describes an El Niño-style setup, with warmer-than-average conditions across the Northern Tier and cooler-than-normal air farther south, especially later in the year. It also notes that the Northeast gets a cool early taste of fall before turning above average, while the Southern Plains start hot and turn much cooler. Read the full Weather.com fall outlook. The Weather Channel

Precipitation

The precipitation outlook is roughly the reverse of the temperature pattern, with states in the south more likely to see above-average rainfall through the rest of the year. This is typical of El Niño years, when an active southern storm track favors wetter conditions from the Southwest to the Southeast. OpenSnow's analysis says the El Niño signal grows in November, favoring above-average precipitation from the Southwest to the Southeast, and that Colorado and New Mexico often see above-average snow in El Niño Novembers. See the full OpenSnow fall outlook. FOX8 OpenSnow

The Almanac's take

The Old Farmer's Almanac uses a different method, built on solar science, climatology, and meteorology, and its forecast differs from NOAA's in places. It expects warmer-than-average weather over the nation's interior, from the Northern Plains through the Heartland and into the Deep South, with cooler-than-average conditions for most of the East and the Pacific Coast, and a drier-than-average fall across most of the country. See the Almanac's fall weather forecast. The Old Farmer's Almanac

How to use these outlooks

Different forecasters disagree on the details, which is normal for seasonal outlooks. Use them for broad planning, such as when to service the furnace or plan an outdoor event, and check your local National Weather Service forecast at weather.gov for what's coming in the next week.

Hurricane season doesn't stop at the equinox

The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30, and the latter part of September and early October can still be active. If you're on the Gulf or Atlantic coast, keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center even as the leaves begin to turn.

Fall Foliage 2026: When and Where Colors Will Peak

For many Americans, the first day of fall means one thing: leaf-peeping.

The general pattern

Peak foliage moves from north to south and from higher to lower elevations, starting in late September in northern and mountainous areas and continuing into November across parts of the South. For most of the country, peak color arrives in October, and more than 80% of travelers take their foliage trips then. Farmers' Almanac Explore Fall

2026 forecast

The Old Farmer's Almanac expects most regions to see near-average peak color in 2026, though late-summer and autumn weather will ultimately set the exact timing. The Old Farmer's Almanac

The northern tier looks promising. AccuWeather's foliage forecast says New England and upstate New York should have a good season thanks to a wet spring and summer followed by drier conditions heading into fall, with vibrant color possible in the Midwest and the Sierra Nevada. In New England, Yankee magazine's foliage expert Jim Salge says forests have rebounded from last year's drought stress, thanks to a cold, snowy winter, plenty of spring moisture, and timely summer rain. AFAR Central Oregon Daily

Timing by region (approximate)

Based on the foliage maps published by AFAR, the Almanac, and others:

Late September: By September 29, parts of Washington, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and areas of the Northeast are predicted to hit peak. AFAR
Early to mid-October: Northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and northwestern Maine peak in early October, while much of New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania peak later. Explore Fall
Mid to late October: The Appalachians, Great Smoky Mountains, and much of the Midwest.
Early November: During the first week of November, most of the United States is past peak. The far South and parts of California hold out longest. Apartment Therapy

Interactive maps to plan your trip

Explore Fall says its maps are updated daily to reflect real-time weather. Check them a few days before you go, since peak color can shift by a week or more. Explore Fall

What makes leaves change color?

Shortening days are one of the main signals telling deciduous trees to make less chlorophyll. As the green fades, yellow and orange pigments (carotenoids) that were there all along show through. Reds and purples come from anthocyanins, which many trees make fresh in autumn. The brightest reds usually follow a stretch of sunny days and cool (but not freezing) nights. Drought, heat, and early frost can dull or shorten the show. Farmers' Almanac

Peak-timing tips

Higher elevations turn first, so a mountain drive gives you a longer viewing window.
Weekdays beat weekends in popular areas like Vermont, the Berkshires, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Book lodging early. Peak weekends in New England and Tennessee sell out months ahead.
Overcast, misty days often photograph better than harsh midday sun.

What the First Day of Fall Means for Gardeners, Farmers, and Homeowners

For gardeners

The equinox is a natural checkpoint.

Plant cool-season crops: In many regions, September and early October are ideal for lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, and other greens.
Plant spring bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses go in when soil temperatures drop, generally from late September through November depending on your zone.
Plant trees and shrubs: Fall's warm soil and cooler air are easier on new roots than summer heat.
Watch your first-frost date: Look up your average first-frost date through your local extension office or the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Overseed and feed the lawn: Cool-season lawns recover best in early fall.

For farmers

The equinox is close to the heart of harvest season. Corn, soybeans, apples, pumpkins, and many root crops are being gathered, and the Harvest Moon tradition comes from the days before electric lights.

For homeowners: a quick fall checklist

Have the furnace or heat pump serviced before the first cold snap.
Clean gutters after the leaves drop.
Check weather stripping, windows, and doors for drafts.
Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise at low speed to circulate warm air.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and swap the batteries when you set clocks back on November 1.
Drain and store garden hoses before hard freezes.
Book a chimney inspection if you use a fireplace or wood stove.

For drivers

Shorter days mean more commuting in the dark. Watch for deer, which are more active in fall, especially at dawn and dusk. Wet leaves can also make roads slick, so leave extra following distance.

Traditions, Folklore, and Cultural Meaning

Ancient and cultural roots

Equinoxes have been marked by cultures worldwide for thousands of years. Sites such as Chichén Itzá in Mexico are famous for equinox light-and-shadow effects, and stone monuments across Europe align with equinox sunrises. The season has been tied to harvest festivals nearly everywhere.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is celebrated in Chinese and Vietnamese communities on the day of the Harvest Moon. In Japan, the autumnal equinox is a national holiday, Shūbun no Hi. In the U.S., the Harvest Moon has inspired festivals, farmers' markets, and even Neil Young's song of the same name. timeanddate

American fall traditions

For Americans, the season is a stack of familiar rituals: football, apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, cider donuts, county fairs, hayrides, bonfires, and Halloween decorations. The scent of woodsmoke and cinnamon is practically its own tradition.

Weather folklore

Almanacs have long included weather lore tied to the equinox. One saying holds that the wind and weather at the time of the equinox will set the pattern for the following three months, and the Almanac suggests noting the wind direction and the feel of the day on Tuesday, September 22 to test it. It's a fun experiment, though there's no scientific evidence behind it. Farmers' Almanac

Does the equinox make an egg balance on end?

It's a popular myth that you can only balance an egg on its end on the equinox. You can do it on any day with patience and a steady hand, because gravity and Earth's tilt work the same every day.

Key Dates in Fall 2026

DateEventTue, Sept. 1Meteorological fall beginsMon, Sept. 7Labor Day (unofficial end of summer)Tue, Sept. 22Autumnal equinox and astronomical first day of fall (8:05 p.m. EDT)Sat, Sept. 26Harvest Moon, with Saturn nearbyMon, Oct. 12Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' DayMon, Oct. 26 (12:12 a.m. EDT)Hunter's Moon (evening of Oct. 25 in other U.S. time zones)Sat, Oct. 31HalloweenSun, Nov. 1Daylight saving time ends; clocks fall backTue, Nov. 3Election Day (U.S. midterms)Thu, Nov. 26ThanksgivingMon, Nov. 30Meteorological fall endsMon, Dec. 21Winter solstice, astronomical fall ends

Common Myths About the Equinox

Myth 1: Day and night are exactly 12 hours each.

Close, but not exact. Because of the way sunrise and sunset are defined, and because the atmosphere bends sunlight, daytime is slightly longer than 12 hours at most latitudes on the equinox.

Myth 2: Fall starts on September 21 every year.

The date shifts between about September 21 and 24. In UTC terms, September 22 is the most common date for this equinox during the 21st century. Star Walk

Myth 3: Fall begins because Earth gets farther from the Sun.

No. The seasons come from Earth's axial tilt, not distance. Earth is actually closest to the Sun in early January.

Myth 4: The equinox is a whole day.

It's a single moment, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator. We celebrate a whole day only for convenience.

Myth 5: The weather changes instantly on the equinox.

Weather doesn't follow the astronomical calendar. Some areas feel autumnal well before September 22, and others (like Phoenix or Miami) may feel like summer for weeks after.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact date of the first day of fall 2026?

Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in the United States. It's September 23 in time zones ahead of UTC-0 on that day.

What time does fall start on September 22, 2026?

At 8:05 p.m. EDT (7:05 CDT, 6:05 MDT, 5:05 PDT, 4:05 AKDT, 2:05 p.m. HST). A few sources round this to 8:04 p.m. EDT.

Is fall 2026 starting September 22 or 23?

Both dates appear online. In the USA, it's September 22. Because the equinox falls just after midnight UTC, the date shows as September 23 in many countries outside the Americas. Memorialday2026

When does meteorological fall start in 2026?

September 1, 2026. It runs through November 30.

When does fall end in 2026?

Astronomical fall ends at the winter solstice on December 21, 2026. Meteorological fall ends November 30.

Will fall 2026 be warmer than normal?

NOAA's outlook favors warmer-than-normal temperatures for much of the country, with an El Niño building toward peak strength. The picture varies by region, and some forecasters, like the Almanac, expect cooler weather in the East and along the Pacific Coast. See the NOAA Climate Prediction Center for the official outlook. WSPA

When is the Harvest Moon in 2026?

Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 12:49 p.m. EDT. The best viewing is after sunset that evening and the evenings before and after. Farmers' Almanac

When will fall leaves peak in 2026?

Most regions are expected to see near-average timing, starting in late September in northern states and at higher elevations, then moving south through October and into early November. Use the Almanac foliage map for your area. The Old Farmer's Almanac

Do days get shorter after the fall equinox?

Yes. Nights become longer than days in the Northern Hemisphere until the March equinox. The shortest day of the year is the December solstice.

Is the first day of fall the same everywhere on Earth?

The moment is the same worldwide, but it's fall only in the Northern Hemisphere. Below the equator, it's the first day of spring.

Why is it called the "autumnal equinox"?

"Autumnal" comes from the Latin autumnus, meaning autumn. In American English, "fall" is the everyday name, while "autumn" is used in formal and astronomical contexts.

Is the first day of fall a federal holiday?

No. It's an astronomical event and not a holiday in the USA. It is a national holiday in Japan.

What's the difference between the equinox and the solstice?

Solstices (June and December) are the longest and shortest days of the year. Equinoxes (March and September) are the two moments when day and night are nearly equal.

What should I do on the first day of fall?

Go outside around sunset. Note where the Sun sets (due west). Plant bulbs. Take a walk in the cooling evening air. Then look ahead to the Harvest Moon on September 26.

Conclusion: What the First Day of Fall 2026 Really Means

The first day of fall 2026 is Tuesday, September 22, when the autumnal equinox arrives at 8:05 p.m. EDT (5:05 p.m. on the West Coast). It marks the Sun's crossing of the celestial equator, the beginning of longer nights than days in the Northern Hemisphere, and the start of a season that Americans associate with harvests, football, foliage, and the run-up to Thanksgiving.

This year's fall has a few notable features. A strengthening El Niño is expected to shape a warmer-than-usual fall across much of the country and a wetter one across the South. The Harvest Moon rises with Saturn on September 26. Foliage should be broadly average, with a promising northern season. And meteorological fall has already been underway since September 1.

Whether you mark the season with a telescope, a hike, a garden bed of bulbs, or a warm mug of cider, the equinox is a reminder that the year is turning. Set a quiet alarm for 8:05 p.m. Eastern on September 22 and step outside.

Sources and Further Reading

Information current as of September 18, 2026. Equinox times may differ by a minute between sources, and forecasts can change. Check your local National Weather Service office for up-to-date conditions.