Spring Equinox 2026: Timings, archaeological sites and what to expect as winter ends in Mexico

You can already feel it in the air. After the bone-chilling cold and wind, the days are getting longer and the sun has a bit more bite. For those of us living in this city, the shift is unavoidable: the green juice stands are buzzing, people are dusting off their bikes, and most importantly, we're all starting to plan that ritualistic getaway. We're just about at the Spring Equinox 2026, and like every year, the archaeological sites are gearing up to welcome thousands of people looking to soak up some of that good energy.

The sun dances on the pyramids: Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán

If there are two places that become the epicentre of the solar celebration, it's the Yucatán Peninsula and the State of Mexico. At Chichén Itzá, the light and shadow show on El Castillo is the one no one wants to miss. While the feathered serpent, Kukulkán, puts on its best performance during the spring equinox (and also the autumn one), the reality is that the archaeological site fills up with visitors coming to welcome the new cycle. For 2026, the INAH's operation is ready to handle the influx of people, with special timings that are always worth checking before you make the trip.

On the other hand, Teotihuacán remains the absolute favourite for Mexico City locals and those from the central part of the country. Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun just as spring begins has something magical about it, even if it's just to realise your legs aren't what they used to be. Last year, over 40,000 people descended on the site in a single day, so you can imagine the scene. For the Spring Equinox 2026, access to the monuments will be controlled. Don't be too casual about it: get there early, because they open before sunrise, but by 10 in the morning, the queues to climb are already worthy of a Rolling Stones concert.

From groundhogs to the Persian calendar: What's the deal with the dates?

The same question always pops up: why doesn't the equinox fall on the exact same day every year? The blame lies with our beloved, somewhat messy Gregorian calendar. While nature follows its own rhythm with Autumn, Summer and the rest of the seasons, we humans insist on trying to fit everything into leap years. In 2026, the equinox will officially fall on Friday, 20 March, although the celebrations and spiritual cleansings will stretch across the whole weekend.

Unlike more Americanised traditions like Groundhog Day, which only predicts if winter will drag on, for many cultures this moment is a turning point. In fact, academically speaking, the equinox marks the new year in the Persian calendar, known as Nowruz. It's a celebration over 3,000 years old where it's all about cleaning the house, visiting family and, just like here, welcoming the rebirth of the earth.

Survival guide for the equinox (without coming a cropper)

Look, whether you're heading to the pyramids or just want to feel the change of season in a city park, there are unwritten rules you should follow if you don't want to get sunstroke or cop a fine. The INAH has been clear for this season:

• Get in early: At Teotihuacán, gates open from 8:00 am, but I'd recommend getting there before. Access to the Pyramid of the Sun usually closes once it hits capacity.
• Clothes and footwear: Don't be the fool who tries to climb the pyramid in thongs and a wide-brimmed hat that flies off at the slightest breeze. Wear sneakers, bring water and sunscreen, even if it's cloudy.
• Respect the site: We're not in the 90s anymore. It's strictly forbidden to go up with glass bottles, film with professional gear without a permit, or, obviously, try to nick little rocks "as a souvenir".
• Ceremonies: You'll see dance groups, people with crystals and colourful characters. It's cool, but don't join in if you haven't been invited. There's some serious energy, but respect comes first.

The heat is coming

Mysticism aside, the hard facts are that after this Spring Equinox 2026, we're in for a Summer that promises to be a real sweat-fest. Climatologists are already sharpening their pencils, but those of us living in this urban jungle know that the heat from March to June is an absolute beast. So, while we get ready to welcome the sun on our faces during the equinox, we also need to brace ourselves for the power outages and the constant ice shortages at the local servo.

Enjoy the end of winter, find your best white outfit (for tradition's sake) and remember: whether it's at the archaeological site or on your rooftop, 20 March is a pretty good excuse to believe that everything can start again. See you at Teotihuacán at sunrise.