Fall Equinox Explained: Five Things To Know

We're breaking out the cozy sweaters and warm beverages, because fall is here. Here are some answers to the most common questions about the beginning of the season.

When does fall start?

The official kickoff time for fall begins with the autumnal equinox, which occurs this year on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 2:19 p.m. EDT in the Northern Hemisphere.

Why is there an exact time for the beginning of fall?

Twice a year, around March 20 or 21 and Sept. 22 or 23, the axis of the Earth aligns so that neither hemisphere leads toward or away from the Sun. At this moment, the Sun appears directly over the equator. When this happens in the fall, we call it the autumnal equinox and the beginning of fall.

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Didn’t summer already end?

Yes and no. There are two different seasonal calendars. Meteorological summer already ended on August 31, 2025. Astronomical summer lasts longer than meteorological summer every year.

Is the length of day and night the exact same on the fall equinox?

Actually, no. The split between day and night on the fall equinox is almost exactly even on the equinox. The day when day and night are exactly 12 hours each is called the equilux and usually follows a few days after the equinox, depending on your latitude.

Am I required to drink a pumpkin spice latte now that it is officially fall?

No, but no one will stop you, either.