First Day of Spring in Edinburgh

The first day of astronomical spring in Edinburgh, Scotland falls on March 20th (occasionally March 19th or 21st) each year. This is the vernal equinox—when the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night nearly equal worldwide.

Key Details

• Date basis: Earth's orbital position, same for entire Northern Hemisphere.
• 2024: March 20, 03:06 GMT
• 2025: March 20, 09:01 GMT
• 2026: March 20, 14:46 GMT

Meteorological vs. Astronomical Spring

• Meteorological spring: March 1 – May 31 (fixed calendar months for climate statistics).
• Astronomical spring: Equinox to summer solstice (~June 21).

Edinburgh in Spring

Late March brings lengthening days (12+ hours daylight), but temperatures remain cool (avg. 5–10°C / 41–50°F). Daffodils bloom in Princes Street Gardens and the Meadows. The city's famous cherry blossoms peak in April. True warmth usually waits until May.