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Date Published: 20/03/2024

Springtime awakening: Spain welcomes a new season with the equinox on March 20

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The spring equinox in Spain typically heralds milder temperatures and longer daylight hours

Springtime awakening: Spain welcomes a new season with the equinox on March 20

One of the most eagerly anticipated seasons of the year, spring brings forth a myriad of changes in nature and the environment, heralding longer daylight hours, a gradual rise in temperatures and the transition to daylight saving time. Laden with mythological significance, the arrival of spring traditionally symbolises the rebirth of life and the fertility of the land and its inhabitants.

Spring time in Spain 2024

This year, spring officially arrives in the northern hemisphere on Wednesday March 20, precisely at 4.06am Spanish peninsular time, as confirmed by the National Astronomical Observatory. From this pivotal moment, Spain experiences a resurgence of colour that will last for exactly 92 days and 18 hours, culminating on June 20 with the arrival of the summer solstice.

What is the equinox?

At an astronomical level, the onset of spring is intricately tied to the equinox, occurring between March 20 and 21 in the northern hemisphere. This event occurs twice a year, marking the moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal durations of day and night throughout the world.

The term ‘equinox’ is derived from the Latin words ‘aequus’ meaning equal and ‘nox’ meaning night.

There are two equinoxes each year: the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox. The vernal equinox, also known as the spring equinox, typically falls around March 20 or 21. Conversely, the autumnal equinox occurs around September 22 or 23 in the northern hemisphere, heralding the arrival of autumn.

Daylight savings

In Spain, daylight saving time (DST), known locally as ‘horario de verano’ or summer time, typically begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

So for this year, the clocks will “spring forward” by one hour at 2am on Sunday March 31.

The weather in spring

One of the most welcome changes of this season is the gradual increase in temperature throughout Spain.

But although spring is characterised by a temperate to warm climate, this season is meteorologically very changeable. While bright, sunny days appear in abundance, the months of March and April can also be very damp, giving rise to what are commonly known as the first real rains of the year.

Overall, a perfect combination to ensure that nature flourishes in all its splendour.

Image: Freepik

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