1st Day of Spring 2025: When Does Spring Begin?

The first day of spring in 2025 marks the official change of seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing longer days, blooming flowers, and warmer temperatures. This seasonal transition is linked to the Spring Equinox, a natural phenomenon when day and night are nearly equal in length.

In 2025, the first day of spring will occur on Thursday, March 20. This guide explores the science behind the equinox, historical traditions, and ways to celebrate the beginning of spring.

When Is the 1st Day of Spring in 2025?

📅 Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 03:06 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)

🌍 Time Zones Around the World:

United Kingdom (GMT): March 20, 03:06 AM
Eastern Time (ET, USA & Canada): March 19, 11:06 PM
Pacific Time (PT, USA & Canada): March 19, 8:06 PM
Central Europe (CET): March 20, 4:06 AM
Australia (AEDT): March 20, 2:06 PM

The 1st day of spring varies slightly each year due to Earth’s orbit and leap years, but it generally falls between March 19 and March 21.

What Is the Spring Equinox?

The Spring Equinox, also known as the Vernal Equinox, is an astronomical event that occurs when:
☀️ The Sun crosses the celestial equator, moving from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere.
🌍 Day and night are nearly equal in length worldwide.
🌱 Spring officially begins, bringing longer daylight hours and shorter nights in the Northern Hemisphere.

The term “equinox” comes from the Latin words “aequus” (equal) and “nox” (night), symbolizing the balance of light and darkness on this day.

After the Spring Equinox, days continue to lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere, leading up to the Summer Solstice in June.

The Science Behind the 1st Day of Spring

Why Does Spring Begin on March 20?

Earth is tilted at a 23.5-degree angle as it orbits the Sun.
On the Spring Equinox, the Sun shines directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal daylight and nighttime hours across the world.
After the equinox, the Northern Hemisphere starts tilting toward the Sun, leading to longer, sunnier days and warmer temperatures.

How Do Daylight Hours Change After the Equinox?

Before March 20, days are shorter and nights are longer.
After March 20, days become longer and nights shorter as summer approaches.
Farther north, regions experience increasing daylight hours, eventually leading to the Midnight Sun phenomenon in Arctic areas.

Cultural and Historical Significance of the 1st Day of Spring

Since ancient times, many cultures have honored the first day of spring with festivals, rituals, and ceremonies that celebrate renewal and fertility.

1. Nowruz (Persian New Year)

📍 Iran, Central Asia, Middle East

Nowruz means “New Day” and marks the Persian New Year on the Spring Equinox.
Traditions include house cleaning (spring cleaning), feasting, fire-jumping, and family gatherings.

2. Ostara (Pagan and Wiccan Traditions)

📍 Europe, Modern Paganism

Ostara is a Pagan festival celebrating fertility, balance, and new life.
Eggs, hares, and flowers symbolize rebirth and renewal, influencing modern Easter traditions.

3. Holi (Hindu Festival of Colors)

📍 India, Nepal, South Asia

Holi, or the Festival of Colors, celebrates spring’s arrival with joyful dancing, music, and throwing colored powders.
The festival represents love, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.

4. Higan (Japanese Equinox Tradition)

📍 Japan

Higan is a Buddhist holiday observed during the Spring and Autumn Equinox.
Families visit graves, clean tombstones, and reflect on balance in life.

5. Chichen Itza (Mayan Spring Equinox Ceremony)

📍 Mexico

The Mayan pyramid of El Castillo aligns with the Spring Equinox, creating a shadow of a serpent moving down the stairs.
Thousands of people gather to witness this astronomical and spiritual event.

Ways to Celebrate the 1st Day of Spring 2025

Whether you enjoy science, spirituality, or nature, there are many ways to welcome spring in 2025.

1. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

Idea: Observe the first sunrise or sunset of spring.
Benefit: Connects you to seasonal rhythms and natural beauty.

2. Start a Garden or Plant Flowers

Idea: Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
Benefit: Encourages growth, renewal, and sustainability.

3. Do a Spring Cleaning

Idea: Refresh your home, workspace, or wardrobe.
Benefit: Creates a clean and positive environment.

4. Spend Time Outdoors

Idea: Go for a walk, hike, or picnic in nature.
Benefit: Boosts mental and physical well-being.

5. Try a Traditional Spring Recipe

Idea: Cook a meal with seasonal ingredients like asparagus, strawberries, and fresh greens.
Benefit: Supports healthy eating and seasonal awareness.

6. Celebrate With a Spring Ritual

Idea: Light a candle, set new goals, or meditate to embrace new beginnings.
Benefit: Encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.

7. Decorate With Flowers and Spring Colors

Idea: Bring fresh flowers and pastel colors into your home.
Benefit: Adds brightness and renewal to your space.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1st Day of Spring 2025

1. When does spring start in 2025?

Spring begins on Thursday, March 20, 2025, with the Spring Equinox.

2. Why does the Spring Equinox happen?

It occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night nearly equal worldwide.

3. How long is daylight on the first day of spring?

Daylight lasts about 12 hours, but days will get longer after the equinox.

4. Is the first day of spring the warmest day of the year?

No, temperatures gradually increase after the equinox, with the warmest days typically in summer.

5. What happens in the Southern Hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, March 20 marks the Autumn Equinox, the start of fall.

Conclusion

The 1st day of spring in 2025 occurs on March 20, marking the Spring Equinox. This special day symbolizes renewal, balance, and longer daylight hours.

Whether you observe the equinox through science, culture, or personal rituals, take time to appreciate the changing seasons, embrace nature, and set new intentions.

🌸 Celebrate spring 2025! Welcome longer days, blooming flowers, and new beginnings! 🌞