🍂 Countdown to First Day of Fall 2026
First Day of Fall is Tuesday, September 22, 2026
When Is First Day of Fall 2026?
First Day of Fall 2026 is on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The first day of fall (autumnal equinox) marks the beginning of the autumn season in the Northern Hemisphere. It typically falls on September 22nd or 23rd, bringing cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and the start of harvest season.
First Day of Fall Dates for the Next 10 Years
| Year | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Sep 22, 2024 | Sunday |
| 2025 | Sep 22, 2025 | Monday |
| 2026 | Sep 22, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | Sep 22, 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | Sep 22, 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | Sep 22, 2029 | Saturday |
| 2030 | Sep 22, 2030 | Sunday |
| 2031 | Sep 22, 2031 | Monday |
| 2032 | Sep 22, 2032 | Wednesday |
| 2033 | Sep 22, 2033 | Thursday |
| 2034 | Sep 22, 2034 | Friday |
About First Day of Fall
The first day of fall (autumnal equinox) marks the beginning of the autumn season in the Northern Hemisphere. It typically falls on September 22nd or 23rd, bringing cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and the start of harvest season.
History & Origins of First Day of Fall
The first day of fall, or the autumnal equinox, occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading southward, creating nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness. The equinox typically falls on September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere. The word "autumn" comes from the Latin "autumnus," while "fall" became popular in 17th-century England as shorthand for "fall of the leaf." Harvest festivals around the equinox are among the oldest celebrations in human history, as ancient agrarian societies gave thanks for successful harvests. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and the ancient Celtic Mabon both coincide with the equinox.
Traditions & How to Celebrate First Day of Fall
- Apple picking and visiting cider mills
- Going on hayrides and navigating corn mazes
- Leaf peeping — driving or hiking to see fall foliage
- Decorating with pumpkins, gourds, and autumn wreaths
- Preparing hearty fall recipes with squash, apples, and spices
- Attending fall festivals, harvest fairs, and Oktoberfest events
- Drinking pumpkin spice lattes and warm apple cider
- Preparing for back-to-school season and fall sports
Fun Facts About First Day of Fall
Leaves change color because shorter days cause trees to stop producing chlorophyll, revealing yellow, orange, and red pigments.
The autumnal equinox can fall on September 21, 22, 23, or 24, though September 22 is most common.
Fall foliage tourism generates an estimated $30 billion annually in the United States.
Pumpkin spice was invented in 1934 by McCormick — long before the Starbucks latte.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the September equinox marks the first day of spring.
The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is called the Harvest Moon.