Spring is Here: 1st March vs. Spring Equinox – What’s the Difference?

As winter fades and the days grow longer, many of us start to feel the buzz of spring in the air. But did you know there’s a bit of confusion around when exactly spring begins? While the 1st of March is often celebrated as the start of the season, the Spring Equinox (around 20th March) marks the official astronomical shift. But what’s the difference, and why does it matter? In this article, we’ll explore how both the 1st of March and the Spring Equinox signify the arrival of spring—and how these transitions affect nature, weather, and, of course, the insects that come with warmer days.

The Start of Spring on 1st March

In many cultures, 1st March is considered the official start of spring. This date marks the beginning of meteorological spring, which is based on the calendar months. Meteorologists use this date to track seasonal weather patterns and prepare for the coming changes.

For many, 1st March is a day filled with excitement—it's the first sign that winter is truly over. People begin to pull out their spring wardrobes, clean out their homes (hello, spring cleaning!), and start planning outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, and picnics.

But why 1st March? While the date doesn’t align with the natural cycle of the Earth’s tilt, it helps keep things consistent from year to year. 1st March is a practical marker for the start of the season and one that can help people begin preparing for what’s to come.

What is the Spring Equinox (20th March) and Why It’s Important

While 1st March signals the start of spring in a meteorological sense, the Spring Equinox, which occurs around 20th March, is the official astronomical start of spring. The Spring Equinox happens when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night across the globe.

This moment marks the turning point when the Sun crosses the celestial equator and the Northern Hemisphere begins to tilt more toward the Sun, ushering in longer days and warmer temperatures. From this moment on, the Earth continues to warm, plants start to bloom, and animals begin to emerge from hibernation.

The Spring Equinox has held cultural significance for centuries. From celebrations in ancient civilisations to modern festivals, this day is often associated with renewal, rebirth, and growth.

For nature, the equinox signifies the awakening of the earth. It’s a time when flowers begin to bud, trees start to bloom, and the earth turns its attention to new life. This shift in the natural world sets the stage for a surge in activity—and not just from plants and animals.

How the Changing Seasons Affect Insects

With warmer weather on the horizon, the Spring Equinox and the days leading up to it mark the return of a familiar nuisance—insects. As temperatures rise, mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects become more active, making it essential to prepare for the biting season.

Springtime is when insects like mosquitoes begin to emerge from their dormant stages, and ticks become more active in search of hosts. As you prepare for the warmer months ahead, it's crucial to think about protecting yourself and your loved ones from these pesky intruders.

This is the perfect time to start planning for insect protection—and while you might not need full-blown summer gear just yet, it’s important to have the right products on hand before the season fully kicks off. Our natural insect repellents are a great way to ensure that you're covered as you enjoy the longer, sunnier days. Whether you're out for a hike, gardening, or just spending time outdoors, our range of insect repellents can help keep you bite-free and comfortable.

Preparing for the Biting Season: What You Can Do Now

As the weather warms, it’s easy to overlook the growing number of insects, but the biting season is just around the corner. With the Spring Equinox fast approaching, now is the time to get ready for the swarms of mosquitoes and ticks that will soon be out in full force. But don’t worry—there are simple ways to stay protected.

Our Customer Favourites Bundle is a great way to prepare for the season ahead. It includes everything you need to stay bite-free while enjoying the outdoors:

• Award-winning Insect Repellent Spray
• Insect Repellent Bracelet
• Mineral Sunblock Insect Repellent
• Room Refresher for night-time protection 

Each of these products is 100% natural, DEET-free, and provides clinically-proven, tropical strength protection against mosquitoes and other biting insects. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just spending more time outdoors, having the right protection can make all the difference.

Conclusion: Spring Has Arrived—Are You Ready?

So, whether you mark the start of spring with 1st March or the Spring Equinox on 20th March, the message is clear: warmer days are ahead, and with them, the return of biting insects. Now is the perfect time to start preparing for the biting season by thinking ahead about the right insect protection.

Be sure to check back on 20th March for our full post about the biting season and how you can protect yourself naturally. Until then, get ready to embrace the season of renewal with the right protection in place.

Stay ahead of the biting season—explore our range of natural insect repellents and start preparing for spring today!