Because the United States is vast, the "feel" of spring varies significantly by geography.
If you're planning travel or outdoor activities, rather than relying solely on the calendar. Spring in the U.S. can bring 70°F (21°C) one day and snow the next—especially in March and April.
Spring in the United States typically falls between and June , but the exact dates depend on whether you use an astronomical or meteorological calendar. 🗓️ Key Timing Methods
: May still experience snow and freezing temperatures well into April . when is spring in the united states
Here is a breakdown of when spring occurs in the U.S.:
Because the U.S. is so large, the physical signs of spring don't hit everyone at once. The "biological spring"—the time when plants actually start leafing out—moves north like a slow wave. First Day of Spring 2026: The Spring Equinox
: Often viewed as starting on February 1 and ending on April 30 . ⛅ Regional Variations Because the United States is vast, the "feel"
For the purposes of record-keeping, forecasting, and climate statistics, meteorologists divide the year into four neat three-month blocks. This definition creates consistent data sets, as the astronomical dates shift slightly every year.
The U.S. recognizes two distinct ways to mark the start of the season: astronomical and meteorological.
In the United States, spring generally spans the months of . However, the specific timing depends on which definition you use: astronomical (based on the earth's orbit) or meteorological (based on the calendar year). can bring 70°F (21°C) one day and snow
. However, for statistical and weather tracking purposes, meteorologists follow a fixed calendar. Farmers' Almanac +2 Seasonal Definitions There are two primary ways to define the timing of spring: Astronomical Spring (March 20 – June 20, 2026): This is the "official" start date listed on most calendars. It is determined by the Earth's orbit, specifically the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator. Meteorological Spring (March 1 – May 31): Meteorologists use three-month blocks based on temperature cycles to maintain consistent data year-over-year. National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) (.gov) +3 Key Characteristics of Spring in the U.S. Daylight Changes: On the equinox, day and night are nearly equal in length (about 12 hours each). Most of the country also "springs forward" for
The arrival of spring in the United States is a multi-layered event that varies significantly depending on whether you follow the movement of the stars, the tracking of meteorologists, or the literal blooming of flowers in your backyard.
In , spring officially begins on Friday, March 20 , at approximately 10:46 a.m. EDT . The Two "First Days" of Spring