How Many Days Until September?
September 2025 begins on Monday, September 1, 2025. The Autumnal Equinox occurs around September 22.
About September
September is the ninth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and has 30 days. It marks the transition from summer to autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by the Autumnal Equinox, cooling temperatures, changing leaf colors, and the main harvest season. Its name derives from the Latin "septem," meaning seven, as it was the seventh month in the original Roman calendar.
September: Ushering in Autumn
Origin of the Month
September retains its name from the early Roman calendar where it was the seventh month ("septem"). Despite the calendar reforms that shifted it to the ninth position, the name remained unchanged.
Autumnal Equinox
Around September 22 or 23, the Autumnal Equinox occurs in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the official start of fall. Day and night are approximately equal in length, and afterwards, nights become longer than days.
Harvest Season Peak
September is a prime harvest month for many crops, including apples, pumpkins, squash, and root vegetables. It's a time associated with agricultural fairs and harvest festivals.
Back to School
For many students in the Northern Hemisphere, September signifies the return to school after the summer break, bringing a sense of new beginnings and routine.
September Symbols
Birthstone
Sapphire, a precious gemstone typically blue, symbolizing wisdom, virtue, and good fortune. It's associated with royalty and romance.
Astrological Signs
Virgo (August 23 - September 22) and Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Flowers
Aster and Morning Glory. Asters, resembling daisies, symbolize love and patience. Morning Glories represent affection and the fleeting nature of life.
The Autumnal Equinox Explained
The Autumnal Equinox is an astronomical event marking the transition from summer to fall in the Northern Hemisphere (and spring in the Southern Hemisphere). Key points include:
- Equal Day and Night (Approximately): "Equinox" means "equal night." On the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length across most of the globe.
- Astronomical Start of Autumn: Officially begins autumn in the Northern Hemisphere (around Sept 22/23) and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Sun Crosses Celestial Equator: The Sun crosses the celestial equator (an imaginary line above Earth's equator) moving southward.
- Seasonal Shift: Signals cooling temperatures, decreasing daylight hours, and the onset of fall foliage in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
- Cultural Significance: Various cultures celebrate harvest festivals or mark the changing seasons around the equinox.
Sun directly over the equator.
September Holidays & Observances
Labor Day (US, Canada)
Federal holiday celebrating the achievements of workers. Often marks the unofficial end of summer.
Grandparents Day (US)
Day to honor grandparents and the bond between generations.
Patriot Day (US)
Day of remembrance for those killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Constitution Day (US)
Commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
Autumnal Equinox
Astronomical event marking the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year, a two-day observance. Date varies based on the Hebrew calendar, often falls in September.
September Month-Long Observances
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15)
Celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Raises awareness and funds for research into childhood cancers.
National Literacy Month
Promotes the importance of reading and literacy skills for all ages.
Hunger Action Month
Mobilizes the public to take action against hunger in America.
September Activities & Ideas
Embrace Autumn
- Go apple picking at local orchards
- Visit pumpkin patches and corn mazes
- Take scenic drives to view fall foliage
- Decorate for fall with pumpkins, gourds, and mums
- Enjoy cooler weather with bonfires and sweaters
Harvest & Cooking
- Bake apple pies, crisps, or cider donuts
- Cook with seasonal produce like squash and root vegetables
- Make hearty soups and stews
- Preserve late-summer/early-fall harvest (canning, freezing)
- Attend local harvest festivals or farmers' markets
Back-to-Routine
- Establish school year routines for homework and activities
- Organize closets and homes for the changing season
- Plan fall and winter projects
- Attend school events like football games or open houses
- Join clubs or classes starting in the fall
Outdoor Enjoyment
- Go hiking or biking in cooler temperatures
- Attend fall sporting events (football, soccer)
- Plant fall bulbs (tulips, daffodils) for spring blooms
- Rake leaves (and jump in them!)
- Prepare gardens and yards for winter
Interesting September Facts
September marks the beginning of the meteorological autumn in the Northern Hemisphere (starting Sept 1).
More people are born in September in the United States than in any other month, according to CDC data.
September ends on the same day of the week as December every year.
The Anglo-Saxons called September "Gerstmonath" (barley month) or "Haligmonath" (holy month), referring to harvest and religious festivals.