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First Day of Autumn

Embrace the vibrant hues and refreshing cool breeze! The First Day of Autumn is here, marking the start of cozy sweaters, hot drinks, and fall foliage.

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember Equinox

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYSeasonal

SUBCATEGORYFall

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Hello, fellow lovers of crisp air and changing leaves! The First Day of Autumn rolls around on September 22, signalling the beginning of a magical season filled with vibrant hues, refreshing cool breezes, and an abundance of warm, cozy vibes. The arrival of autumn (also known as the autumnal equinox) has long held deep cultural significance, with many ancient societies celebrating it as a time of harvest and gratitude. So, let's get ready to swap our iced coffees for hot apple ciders and trade in our flip flops for fluffy socks. Embrace the new season and all the delightful traditions that come along with it. Let's say a happy goodbye to the summer heat and a hearty hello to the beautiful, crisp autumn days!

TIMELINE

First Day of Autumn Timeline

Autumn Equinox Celebrations

In premodern times, various civilizations recognized the Autumn Equinox as a time for harvest festivals and celebrations of thanksgiving.

Scientific Recognition of Autumn Equinox

Isaac Newton's work on gravity began to scientifically explain why equinoxes, like the first day of autumn, occur.

Daylight Saving Time Influences Equinox

The introduction and continuation of Daylight Saving Time in many countries affect when people experience the autumnal equinox.

Harvest Moon Phenomenon

Scientists explain the unique phenomenon of the Harvest Moon, a full moon that often occurs near the autumn equinox.

Google Doodles Celebrate Autumn Equinox

Google recognized the autumnal equinox with a unique Doodle, marking a pop culture recognition of this natural event.

Worldwide Autumn Celebrations

From North America's Thanksgiving to East Asia's Mid-Autumn Festival, autumn's start is celebrated worldwide with a variety of rich traditions.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate First Day of Autumn

Plant fall flowers

Embrace the start of autumn by planting seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums, asters, and pansies. They are not only beautiful but they bring bursts of color and life to your garden during the colder months.

BAKE

Bake an apple pie

Apples are one of the hallmarks of fall. Celebrate the arrival of autumn by baking a delicious apple pie. Fill your home with the comforting aroma of this delightful dessert and enjoy a warm slice with vanilla ice cream.

TAKE

Take a scenic drive

Immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn by taking a scenic drive. Visit local parks or the countryside to marvel at the changing leaves and crisp air. Don't forget to take pictures!

CREATE

Create autumn-inspired art

Unleash your creativity by creating an autumn-inspired art piece. It could be anything from painting a canvas of multicolored leaves, designing a fall-themed wreath to hang on the door, or even starting a DIY project with fall-inspired colors.

HOST

Host a harvest party

Celebrate the beauty of the season by hosting a harvest party. Invite friends and family to join you for a feast of autumnal foods like roasted root vegetables, hearty soups, and of course, pumpkin pie. Use vibrant fall colors to decorate and play traditional fall games for an afternoon or evening of fun.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love First Day of Autumn

It offers beautiful scenery

The First Day of Autumn grants us with beautiful natural scenery. The changing leaves, from vibrant green to rich hues of yellow, orange and red, are a sight to behold. The cooler weather also makes it a perfect time for enjoying outdoor activities like scenic drives and nature walks, providing us with several photo opportunities.

Autumn represents change

The First Day of Autumn signals the transition from the heat of summer to the chill of winter. This change is not only reflected in our environment, but also in our lifestyles and activities. We swap cool drinks for warm ones, and exchange beach trips for cozy nights in. This seasonal shift brings an exciting new variety to the year.

It brings out our creativity

Autumn is a season of creativity, inspiring us to engage in craft activities, from DIY fall decorations to baking apple pies. It even affects our gardening as we plant autumn salads and chrysanthemums. This seasonal prompt allows us to bring out our delicious recipes and creative crafts.

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