When is the first day of fall 2026

On 22 September 2026, astronomical experts confirmed that the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere occurs precisely on this date. The autumnal equinox, which signals the transition from summer to autumn, is scheduled to take place at 14:44 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This celestial event happens when the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from north to south, resulting in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness across the globe. For observers in the United States, the timing of the equinox varies by time zone, occurring during the morning hours for those in the Pacific and Eastern regions. This astronomical shift marks the beginning of the harvest season and a gradual decline in temperatures as the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt away from the sun. While meteorological autumn began on 1 September, the astronomical arrival on 22 September 2026 remains the official marker recognized by scientists and astronomers worldwide. As the season progresses, days will continue to shorten until the winter solstice in December.