Autumn Equinox 2025 Arrives Marks Start of New Season

Today, September 22, marks the autumn equinox — the astronomical beginning of autumn.

The equinox is the moment when the Sun’s centre crosses the celestial equator, with daylight and darkness distributed almost equally between the northern and southern hemispheres. For the northern hemisphere this event signals the start of autumn, after which days gradually shorten until the winter solstice.

When Will Equinox Happen in 2025

This year the equinox occurs on 22 September at 18:19 UTC. That corresponds to 20:19–20:20 CET and 23:19–23:20 (GMT+5) in Tashkent.

For those following Central European Time, astronomical autumn begins this evening around 20:19–20:20, while in Uzbekistan it will be observed around 23:19–23:20.

Traditions Linked to The Equinox

Many see the day as a symbolic turning point. People often take stock of the summer, set goals for the season ahead, clear and tidy their homes as a gesture of renewal, express gratitude and finish outstanding tasks to enter autumn with ease.

Folk customs include placing rowan branches by the doorway for protection, baking round pies filled with apples or cabbage to symbolise the sun and abundance, burning fires or sage for cleansing, and making a wish at sunrise for the new season.

Folk Signs For Autumn and Winter

Sunny and dry weather on the equinox means the first frosts are still far off
Plenty of acorns signal a snowy Christmas
Cobwebs in corners suggest a warm autumn
Heavy clusters of rowan berries indicate a rainy season
If larch holds its needles, expect a snowy winter; if birch trees turn yellow early, frosts will arrive soon
Migratory birds leaving in flocks point to a cold winter
A thunderstorm on the equinox promises mild weather ahead