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 biting winds, the days are finally getting longer and the sun has a bit more warmth to it. For those of us living in this city, the shift is unmistakable: the green juice stalls are buzzing, people are dusting off their bikes, and, most importantly, we're all starting to plan that ritualistic getaway. The spring equinox 2026 is nearly upon us, and as 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 absolute epicentre of the solar celebrations, they're the Yucatán Peninsula and the State of Mexico. At Chichén Itzá, the light-and-shadow play on El Castillo is the unmissable event. Although the feathered serpent, Kukulkán, puts on its best show during the spring equinox (and again in autumn), the archaeological site still heaves with visitors coming to welcome the new cycle. For 2026, the INAH has its plan ready to manage the crowds, with special opening times that are well worth checking before you make the trip.

On the other side, Teotihuacán remains the firm 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 a certain magic to 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 chaos. For the spring equinox 2026, access to the monuments will be managed. Don't be caught out: get there early, as they open before sunrise, but by 10 in the morning, the queues to climb are already worthy of a Rolling Stones gig.

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

There's always the same question: why doesn't the equinox fall on exactly the same day every year? You can blame our good old, slightly chaotic Gregorian calendar. While nature follows its own rhythm with autumn, summer and the rest of the seasons, we humans insist on trying to fit it all into leap years. In 2026, the equinox officially falls on Friday 20 March, although the celebrations and spiritual cleansings will carry on all weekend.

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

A survival guide for the equinox (without it killing you)

Look, whether you're heading to the pyramids or just want to feel the change of season in a city park, there are some unwritten rules you'll want to follow if you'd rather not get sunstroke or landed with a fine. The INAH has made things clear for this season:

• Arrive early: At Teotihuacán, gates open at 8:00 am, but I'd recommend being there before. Access to the Pyramid of the Sun usually closes once it hits capacity.
• Clothes and footwear: Don't be that person trying to climb the pyramid in flip-flops and a wide-brimmed hat that takes off in the slightest breeze. Wear trainers, bring water and slap on sunscreen even if it's cloudy.
• Respect the site: We're not in the 90s anymore. It's absolutely forbidden to go up with glass bottles, film with professional gear without a permit, or, obviously, try to nick little stones "as a souvenir".
• Ceremonies: You'll see dance groups, people with crystals and all sorts of colourful characters. It's a great atmosphere, but don't join in unless you're invited. The energy can be incredibly powerful, 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 sweaty one. The climate experts are sharpening their pencils, but those of us living in this urban jungle know that the heat from March to June is a beast. So, as we get ready to welcome the sun in our faces during the equinox, we're also bracing ourselves for the power cuts and the constant sell-out of ice at the corner shop.

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 perfect excuse to believe that everything can start again. See you at Teotihuacán at sunrise.