Is Today the First Day of Fall 2026? Exact Autumn Equinox Time and 5 Things You Should Know

Is today the first day of fall? Yes—at 8:05 p.m. EDT (5:05 p.m. PDT, 00:05 UTC on Sept 23) the autumnal equinox arrives, marking the official start of astronomical fall across the Northern Hemisphere. Although meteorologists consider fall to begin on Sept 1 for record-keeping, the equinox is the moment Earth’s tilt positions the sun directly above the equator, giving nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness. Why the exact timing matters Many ask “Is today the first day of fall?” because the answer changes every year. The equinox can fall on Sept 22, 23, or 24 depending on leap years and Earth’s slightly irregular orbit. In 2026, the pivotal moment lands late in the evening for North America, so some may not feel the seasonal shift until tomorrow morning. What to expect as fall begins • Shorter days: Sunrise will arrive later and sunset earlier by about two minutes each day for the next few weeks. • Cooler nights: Average U.S. temperatures drop 10–15°F between late September and mid-October, so expect jacket weather soon. • Peak foliage: Northern tier states should see first color within two weeks; southern regions typically peak in late October. • Celestial highlights: The harvest moon (full moon closest to the equinox) rises on Oct 2 this year, providing bright evening skies for leaf-peeping. Cultural celebrations From Mabon rites in modern pagan traditions to China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, societies worldwide honor the balance of light and dark. Many U.S. towns host apple-picking weekends and pumpkin festivals starting this equinox weekend, boosting local tourism. Tips to welcome the season 1. Check your thermostat: Program energy-saving setbacks for cooler nights. 2. Prep the garden: Plant spring bulbs now while soil is still warm. 3. Update emergency kits: Hurricane season overlaps early fall; refresh batteries and water supplies. 4. Plan outdoor photos: Golden-hour light becomes richer as the sun sits lower in the sky. Bottom line If you woke up wondering, “Is today the first day of fall?” the answer is yes—just wait until tonight’s 8:05 p.m. EDT equinox to make it official. Enjoy the balance of day and night, and get ready for crisp air, colorful leaves, and all the autumn traditions that follow.