Spring Countdown 2027

What is the Spring Countdown?

The Spring Countdown shows you how long it is from the current date and time until the spring season begins in the Northern Hemisphere. It is simple to use, and you can check it as often as you like. There is nothing to click or set up: the countdown appears as soon as you open the page, shows exactly how long it is until spring, down to the second, and updates in real time.

When does spring begin?

In the Northern Hemisphere, spring begins on the vernal equinox, also called the March equinox. This is the moment when the sun crosses the equator, and day and night are almost the same length everywhere on Earth. The date of the equinox changes from one year to another. It usually falls on March 20, but depending on the year and your time zone it can be as early as March 19 or as late as March 21. The equinox is a single moment, so this spring countdown clock runs to that exact minute, shown under the countdown in your local time.

How long does spring last?

Spring in the Northern Hemisphere lasts about 92 days and 18 hours, from the March equinox to the June solstice. The four seasons are not the same length, because Earth's orbit is not a perfect circle. Earth moves fastest in early January, when it is closest to the sun, and slowest in early July, when it is farthest away. So spring and summer, which include the slow part of the orbit, are the two longest seasons.

Common Spring Countdown questions

When does this countdown end?

At the exact moment of the March equinox, from the times published by the US Naval Observatory. The date and time under the countdown show that moment in your own time zone.

Is this countdown for the Southern Hemisphere too?

No. South of the equator the seasons are reversed, so the March equinox is the first day of autumn there, and spring begins at the September equinox.

Why does spring not start on March 1 here?

March 1 is the start of meteorological spring, which weather services use because it splits the year into whole months. This countdown uses the astronomical start of spring, the equinox.

Does the countdown keep running if I switch tabs?

Yes. The page reads the current time on each tick, and an inactive tab catches up the moment you return.