Spring is in the air! Okay, maybe that’s just the pollen count skyrocketing. Either way, the days are getting warmer, the beach days are becoming more frequent, and the flip-flops are back in business. It’s like the world is waking up from a long nap, stretching its arms, and shaking off the chill. Does anyone else feel like they should be throwing confetti and shouting, “Happy New Year!?” Because that’s basically what the beginning of spring feels like here in Florida.
As a meteorologist, I’ve been calling it spring since March 1 (the weather nerds among us know this is when meteorological spring kicks off, and yes, I drive my family crazy with this). For everyone else, the official party starts on the spring equinox, which lands this year on Thursday, March 20 at precisely 5:01 a.m. when the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading north. It’s a pretty cool concept if you think about it — our seasons are thanks to the Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt. Without it, we’d all be stuck in an endless loop of the same weather. Imagine that? Perpetual hurricane season? Nooooo, thank you!
On the equinox, we get a near-perfect balance of day and night. The word “equinox” is Latin for “equal night.” This balancing act of daylight is amazing when you consider how fast we’re spinning through space. In addition, you know those longer days we’ve been enjoying more and more of? They’ll keep stretching until the summer solstice in June when we mark the longest day of the year. Cue the bulk sunscreen packs and crank the A/C!
Speaking of air conditioning, the average high and low temperatures in Jacksonville on the first day of spring (March 20) are 51 and 75 degrees respectively. I know, Miss Rhode Island said her perfect date was April 25 (Miss Congeniality reference), but I’d have to argue that a “sunny and 75” afternoon is darn near perfection! “Not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.” By May 31, which according to my meteorologist brain is the final day of spring before June 1 kicks off summertime, our average high and low temperatures in Jacksonville soar up to 68 and 88 degrees respectively. Talk about the season of change!
Spring is all about new beginnings and fresh starts. Whether you’re a beach bum ready to embrace the salt life, a gardening guru itching to get those seeds in the ground, or simply someone who wants to sit outside without melting, there’s something magical about this time of year (yes, the melting will commence soon enough). Plus, if you’re a mom, you know it’s time to plan those outdoor playdates, beach trips, and spring-inspired crafts. Half the fun is the stellar, post-activity naps your kiddos are bound to take!
Spring has its downsides, too. Hello, pollen (and cue the tissues and allergy meds). Ahh-choo! For those of us who feel like we’re auditioning for a sneezing competition, it’s a love-hate relationship. Still, it’s hard not to smile when the world feels so alive and colorful.
READ: 15 Places to Explore the Great Outdoors In & Around Jax
Sooo, how does one celebrate spring? Every day is worth celebrating in my book, but how about some unique, family-friendly ideas to welcome the blossoming season:
- Get outside. I’ve realized this is my go-to idea for most of my blogs, BUT… go for a nature walk, hit the beach, or just let the kids run wild in the backyard. The breeze just hit differently right now! You get bonus points if you can spot migrating birds or sprouting flowers. Oh, and did you know the March Full Moon (March 14) is called the “Worm Moon” because of all the wiggly creatures reappearing? My 4-year-old LOVES to share that fun fact with anyone and everyone.
- Go on a gardening adventure. Whether you’re planting flowers or veggies, getting your hands in the dirt feels incredibly refreshing. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your little ones about growth, patience, and a dash of responsibility. I’ve done this with my littles before they could even walk. Just toss them in the tub or the pool afterward! You can clean dirty hands, but the memories will last forever.
- Experiment with seasonal cooking. Try a new recipe featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients like blueberries, corn, peaches, and cucumbers. You may want to whip up a vibrant salad or make some flower-shaped cookies with the kids. My husband has always made cucumbers with Italian dressing (super simple and yummy) and it’s the only way our kiddos will eat them. Honestly, if they’re consuming veggies, I’ll take it!
- Try some sun tracking. Notice how the sun angle seems to be changing? It’s shifting northward, making its grand, slow-motion climb across the sky. Grab the kids, step outside, and see if they can spot the difference from morning to afternoon. It’s like nature’s very own connect-the-dots game. Science!
- Celebrate new beginnings. Use the season as an excuse to refresh your home, your routines, or even your mindset. This is my time of year to spruce up the closets and consign or donate clothes and shoes my babies have outgrown. Can I get another cue for happy tears? Check in with your 2025 resolutions, do something for you, or get started on that project you said you’d do months ago. There’s something about spring that makes everything feel possible.
There you have it! Spring is here to sprinkle a little joy and warmth into our lives. It’s the perfect time to welcome fresh starts, try new things, and soak in every ounce of sunshine (with plenty of SPF, of course!). After all, the world feels a little brighter, the air feels a little fresher, and the memories we make feel a little bit sweeter. Happy Spring and cheers to blue skies ahead!
