Days Until Fall Calculator

What is the first day of fall?

The first day of fall, also known as the autumnal equinox, marks the astronomical beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Like the spring equinox, this is a day when daylight and darkness are nearly equal, but after this point, nights become progressively longer.

How is the fall equinox calculated?

The autumnal equinox date varies slightly each year. This calculator uses an astronomical algorithm:

This formula is accurate to within one day for years 2000-2100.

When does fall begin?

The autumnal equinox typically falls on September 22 or 23:

What happens during the autumnal equinox?

During the fall equinox:

• Day and night are approximately equal length
• The sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west
• In the Northern Hemisphere, days begin getting shorter
• In the Southern Hemisphere, spring begins

Fall traditions and activities

• Harvest festivals: Celebrating the agricultural harvest
• Apple picking: Peak season for orchards
• Fall foliage trips: Viewing autumn colors
• Oktoberfest: Bavarian beer festival
• Pumpkin patches: Preparing for Halloween

Planning for fall

Use your countdown to prepare:

• Plan fall foliage viewing trips
• Schedule apple and pumpkin picking
• Prepare Halloween costumes and decorations
• Plan Thanksgiving arrangements
• Transition your wardrobe for cooler weather