2026 Autumnal Equinox Arrives: When Maryland Will Truly Feel Fall

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the sun will slip across the celestial equator at exactly 8:04 p.m. EDT, officially ending summer and ushering in autumn. In Maryland, though, the calendar flip won’t feel like fall right away. The National Weather Service’s short‑term outlook calls for above‑average warmth and drier air through the early weeks, so you might still be reaching for a light jacket rather than a sweater.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the season will be about a degree cooler than normal along the Atlantic coast and roughly an inch drier than average. That means the classic “crisp‑air, golden‑leaf” vibe will probably set in by the third week of September, when highs dip into the mid‑60s and the evenings start to feel noticeably cooler.

While you’re waiting for the first real gust of autumn wind, the night sky is putting on a show. The Orionid meteor shower—one of the year’s most reliable—begins on Oct. 2 and peaks the night of Oct. 21‑22, delivering about 23 meteors per hour under dark skies. If you’re lucky, you’ll also catch the brief Draconids (Oct. 6‑10) and the twin Taurid streams, which splash fireballs across the heavens from late September through early December.

And don’t forget the extra‑seasonal perks. The aurora borealis gets a modest boost after the equinox, thanks to a spike in geomagnetic activity. While Maryland isn’t a prime viewing spot, clear, dark nights far from city lights can still reward the keen observer with a faint green ribbon.

Fall in Maryland also means it’s prime time for pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes. Look out for local celebrations like the Fall Festival at Montpelier Farms, Butler’s Orchard’s 46th Annual Pumpkin Festival, and the Larriland Fall Festival. The Anne Arundel County Fair and the Fall Family Festival round out the lineup for anyone craving seasonal treats and family‑friendly fun.

Sports fans will be busy, too. High school football hits its stride with marquee matchups such as McDonogh vs. Archbishop Spalding on Oct. 2, Oakdale vs. Linganore on Oct. 9, and the storied DeMatha vs. Good Counsel clash on Oct. 16. In Prince George’s County, the Henry A. Wise Pumas take on the Charles Herbert Flowers Jaguars on Oct. 24—a de facto county championship.

As the days shorten, Maryland will also flip the clocks. Daylight‑saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1, when most of us set our watches back an hour. There’s still chatter in Washington about making DST permanent, but for now the “fall back” remains on the schedule.

So, when will you really start feeling fall? Expect the first hints—cooler mornings, lingering fog, and a splash of red‑orange foliage—by the last week of September, with full‑blown autumn arriving in early October. Until then, enjoy the lingering summer sunshine, keep an eye on the meteors, and start planning your next apple‑picking adventure.