The Northern Hemisphere will mark the arrival of spring on March 20 with the vernal equinox, an astronomical event that occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness.
What is the spring equinox?
The vernal equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe.
This marks the official arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Date and time of the equinox
In 2025, the spring equinox will take place on 20 March at 2:00 pm (Pakistan Standard Time or GMT+5).
The day will see a slight increase in daylight, with sunrise at 5:54 am and sunset at 6:01 pm, making the total duration of daylight 12 hours and 7 minutes.
What happens during the equinox?
The event signals the transition of the sun from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, bringing longer days and rising temperatures.
As spring begins, plant life starts to bloom, and the days progressively become warmer.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, the shift marks the start of autumn, with shorter days and cooling temperatures.
Spiritual and cultural significance
Beyond its astronomical impact, the equinox holds deep symbolic meaning. Many cultures and traditions view it as a time of renewal, balance, and transformation. It is seen as an opportunity for self-reflection, fresh beginnings, and aligning with nature’s rhythms.
What comes next?
The next major seasonal transition will occur on 20 June with the summer solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere experiences its longest day of the year.
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