How To Mark The Autumn Equinox 2026

There’s a slight chill in the air and conkers are beginning to appear in parks across the northern hemisphere, signalling the start of autumn. And while the meteorological calendar stipulates that the new season begins on 1 September, according to the astronomical calendar the shift isn’t until the autumn equinox – which usually falls between 21 and 24 September. So when is the equinox for 2026? And what does it signify?

What Is The Autumn Equinox?

There are just two times in the year when the Earth’s axis is titled neither towards or away from the sun, meaning the sun’s light illuminates both hemispheres equally – once in March, and again in September. These are known as equinoxes, marking a shift in season. In the northern hemisphere the September equinox marks the end of summer and the start of autumn, while in the southern hemisphere the same moment signifies the first day of astronomical spring. 

Are Equinoxes And Solstices The Same?

Both equinoxes and solstices mark new seasons, but they are not the same. According to the astronomical calendar, summer and winter begin after the solstices, which occur on the longest and shortest days of the year – specifically, the moments when the sun’s path in the sky is the farthest north or south from the equator. 

When Is The Autumn Equinox In 2026?

In 2026, the autumn equinox will occur on 23 September at 1.06am BST, marking the beginning of the astronomical autumn. The season then ends with the winter solstice, which will take place this year on 21 December 2026.

The meteorological calendar is different. It divides the year into four fixed three-month blocks, determined by annual temperature cycles, making it easier for the Met Office to compare weather and climate records year-on-year. According to these timings, autumn falls between 1 September and 30 November.

How To Mark The Equinox

Around the world, the autumn equinox is celebrated in different ways. In pagan British tradition, it is also known as Mabon: a time to celebrate nature and the harvest (the name Mabon is taken from the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, who symbolises youth and the promise of life and renewal). Ancient cultures would often come together to mark the successful gathering of crops to prepare for the less bountiful winter season ahead. 

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Nowadays, this can be nodded to by hosting a harvest feast featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables (think squash, pumpkins and apples), or doing some pickling and preserving of jams and ferments. Alternatively, you could simply get out for a walk to soak up the changing natural landscapes, or do a meditation focused on transition and balance. Others mark the autumn equinox by creating an equinox altar: a mantelpiece or surface featuring autumnal items like nuts, berries and candles.

In Japan, the autumn equinox is a national holiday known as O-Higan. This is seen as a time to remember deceased relatives, with people often visiting the graves of loved ones and praying at shrines and temples.

Autumn Equinox Events 2026

Many events take place across the UK around the autumn equinox too, such as retreats, yoga classes, sound baths, special menus and harvest feasts. Highlights for 2026 include:

Autumn Equinox Menu at Borde Hill

Borde Hill’s restaurant Isca is easing into the new season with an autumn equinox dinner, inspired by the early harvest. Expect a four-course seasonal meal featuring dishes like Cornish bluefin tuna with shiso and radish, Sussex Slipcote ravioli with celeriac, and Borde Hill venison with polenta. Astro-botanical alchemist Jemma Foster will also be on hand to explore the symbolism of the botanicals included within each dish – and afterwards, guests will be invited into the walled garden to set an intention for the winter months ahead. £75pp, 23 September. iscabordehill.co.uk

Skychology and Breathwork Sessions at The Chimney Lift

Soak up panoramic views of the London skyline during a meditative session in Battersea Power Station’s Chimney Lift. The new series is designed to encourage reflection amid the autumn equinox, inviting guests to ascend 109 metres to the top of Battersea Power Station’s northwest chimney, led by sound healing practitioner Sophie Waxberg. £45pp, 1, 8 and 15 October 2026. thechimneylift.co.uk

Autumn Equinox Retreat at Lakes Yoga

Lakes Yoga in Windermere is hosting a day-long retreat, designed to help participants let go of what no longer serves them. There will be a mix of yoga practices as well as intention setting, breathwork and meditation, with a homemade vegetarian lunch – plus a lakeside fire if the weather plays ball. £85pp, 26 September 025. lakesyoga.co.uk

Yoga & Sauna Ritual

Hackney sauna Eastway Baths is running a three-hour immersive workshop designed to honour the changing seasons. The session will involve gentle yin yoga and myofascial release, guided journaling, a symbolic release ceremony and a sound bath, followed by time in the community sauna and the option to join an informal dinner at the venue’s cafe. £60.29, eventbrite.co.uk