When does Spring begin and what are the first signs it has arrived?

With the nights getting lighter and the weather getting a little milder, Spring is just around the corner.

But when does it officially start - and what are the first signs that it’s arrived?

Here’s everything you need to know about Spring, including the difference between astronomical and meteorological Spring.

When does Spring start this year?

This year, Spring starts on Friday 20 March 2020. It will end on Saturday 20 June.

According to the Met Office, “Astronomical seasons refer to the position of Earth's orbit in relation to the Sun, considering equinoxes and solstices.

This is due to the 23.5 degrees of tilt of the Earth's rotational axis concerning its orbit around the Sun.

“Since the seasons vary in length, the start date of a new season can fall on different days each year.”

Meteorological seasons

However, the Met Office explains that “Meteorological seasons are instead based on the annual temperature cycle and measure the meteorological state, as well as coinciding with the calendar to determine a clear transition between the seasons.”

The meteorological seasons are split into four periods made up of three months each, in order to coincide with the Gregorian calendar, “making it easier for meteorological observing and forecasting to compare seasonal and monthly statistics,” adds the Met Office.