The first day of spring in 2025 holds both astronomical and cultural significance. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, spring officially begins with the vernal equinox, a celestial event that marks the transition from winter to spring. In this blog post, we’ll explore the exact date and time of the 2025 spring equinox, its significance, how it’s celebrated across cultures, and what weather patterns to expect as spring begins.
In 2025, the vernal equinox—the astronomical start of spring—occurs on Thursday, March 20, at 5:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). This event marks the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north, resulting in nearly equal lengths of day and night across the globe. The term "equinox" comes from the Latin words "aequus" (equal) and "nox" (night), reflecting this balance.
The vernal equinox signifies the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Following this event, the Northern Hemisphere experiences progressively longer days and shorter nights, leading up to the summer solstice in June. This change is due to Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the sun, which cause varying amounts of sunlight to reach different parts of the planet throughout the year.
The vernal equinox is more than just an astronomical event; it has deep cultural and historical significance. On this day, the Sun crosses the celestial equator, aligning Earth’s axis perpendicularly to its orbit around the Sun. This alignment ensures that both hemispheres receive equal sunlight, creating nearly equal day and night lengths worldwide.
Culturally, the vernal equinox has been celebrated for millennia as a time of renewal and rebirth. In Iran and parts of Central Asia, it coincides with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, symbolizing new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness. In Japan, Shunbun no Hi is observed as a national holiday where families honor their ancestors and welcome the arrival of spring. Ancient civilizations, such as the Maya, constructed monuments like the pyramid at Chichen Itza, where during the equinox, a shadow resembling a serpent appears to descend the steps, signifying the return of the feathered serpent god, Kukulkan.
In the United States, the vernal equinox is often associated with the start of the gardening season and various cultural events. For instance, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the equinox is celebrated with activities focusing on themes like balance, renewal, and community.
The arrival of the spring equinox on March 20, 2025, is celebrated worldwide through various cultural traditions that honor themes of renewal, balance, and the transition from winter to spring.
In Iran and among Persian communities globally, Nowruz is observed on the spring equinox. This ancient festival, with roots extending over 3,000 years, symbolizes the renewal of nature and the victory of light over darkness. Preparations include deep-cleaning homes, setting up a ceremonial table called Haft-Seen adorned with symbolic items like wheatgrass and apples, and engaging in fire-jumping rituals to burn away negativity.
In Japan, the Vernal Equinox Day, known as Shunbun no Hi, is a national holiday dedicated to appreciating nature and honoring ancestors. Families visit gravesites, clean tombstones, and offer flowers, reflecting on the balance between light and dark. This period, called Haru no Higan, is a time for renewal and familial bonds.
In Mexico, the ancient Mayan site of Chichén Itzá becomes a focal point during the equinox. As the sun sets, a shadow resembling a serpent appears to descend the steps of the El Castillo pyramid, symbolizing the return of the feathered serpent deity, Kukulkan. Thousands gather to witness this phenomenon, celebrating the cycle of life and fertility.
In the United States, various communities host events to mark the equinox. For instance, in Salt Lake City, Utah, activities range from balance-focused yoga sessions and sound bath meditations to pagan potlucks and equinox art galleries. These events emphasize themes of balance, renewal, and community engagement.
As spring 2025 begins, the United States is experiencing a variety of weather patterns influenced by both global climate phenomena and regional conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated that La Niña conditions are weakening, with a transition to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral conditions expected by April, persisting through the summer. This shift suggests a move toward more stable weather patterns.
Regionally, the Midwest and Great Plains have recently faced severe storm systems bringing blizzard conditions, high winds, and increased risks of wildfires and tornadoes. States such as Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Indiana experienced significant power outages due to these storms. In contrast, areas like Houston have observed a warming trend in spring temperatures, with an increase of 4.1°F since 1970, resulting in 24 more days of above-normal temperatures during the season.
The Farmers' Almanac forecasts a "Thunder and Zing Spring" for 2025, predicting that winter conditions will linger, especially across the Midwest, Great Lakes, New England, and Northeast regions. An unusually late winter storm is anticipated to bring a mix of rain, sleet, and snow to the Atlantic Seaboard and mountainous areas in the Southeast during the first week of April. Additionally, spring storms are expected to bring ample showers and thunderstorms to most areas, with the Southwest potentially experiencing a drier-than-usual season.
In 2025, the start of spring can be defined in two ways: astronomical and meteorological.
Astronomically, spring begins with the vernal equinox, which occurs on March 20, 2025, at 5:01 a.m. EDT. This event marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and is a key point in Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
Meteorologically, spring is based on the annual temperature cycle and is defined for record-keeping and forecasting purposes. Meteorologists divide the year into four seasons of three months each, with spring encompassing March, April, and May. Therefore, meteorological spring in 2025 begins on March 1 and ends on May 31.
The choice between these definitions depends on the context. For cultural and astronomical purposes, the vernal equinox is often recognized as the start of spring. However, for climatological and meteorological applications, the fixed calendar months are more practical.
The first day of spring in 2025, marked by the vernal equinox on Thursday, March 20, at 5:01 a.m. EDT, is a time of renewal, balance, and celebration. Whether you’re observing cultural traditions like Nowruz or Shunbun no Hi, participating in community events, or simply enjoying the gradual transition to warmer weather, the arrival of spring offers an opportunity to embrace new beginnings and the rejuvenation of nature. As you prepare for the season, keep in mind the varied weather patterns and choose the definition of spring—astronomical or meteorological—that best suits your needs.
