09/22/2026
In Berkeley and Jefferson counties, the true start of fall comes with the autumnal equinox, not just the turn of the calendar.
While meteorologists and weather apps mark the beginning of fall as soon as September hits, the astronomical first day is set by a precise moment, the autumnal equinox, when the sun crosses the celestial equator. For our area, that means fall officially arrives on an evening in late September. There’s no regional difference between the counties; both experience this seasonal shift at the same instant, even though the weather and scenery change more gradually.
You’ll notice cooler nights, shorter days, and a steady transformation in the landscape as September moves into October. Peak fall foliage in Berkeley and Jefferson counties typically doesn’t show off until later in the season, but the equinox signals that autumn’s unique light and rhythm are here.
Do you mark the start of fall by the calendar, the cooler air, or the first signs of color? Tell me what makes it feel real for you.