When Is Groundhog Day 2026 – Are you wondering, “When is Groundhog Day?” This beloved tradition captures the imagination of millions each year, blending folklore, fun, and a quirky weather prediction. Groundhog Day is celebrated annually on February 2, and in 2026, it falls on a Monday. As we approach the big day, excitement builds around whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter or an early spring.

In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll cover the exact date for Groundhog Day 2026, a real-time countdown, its history, traditions, and more. Whether you’re planning to watch the live event or just curious about this unique holiday, read on for all the details from trusted sources.

What Is Groundhog Day?

Groundhog Day is a cultural tradition observed in the United States and Canada, where a groundhog—most famously Punxsutawney Phil—emerges from its burrow to “predict” the weather. If the groundhog sees its shadow, legend says we’ll have six more weeks of winter. If not, an early spring is on the way. This event takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, at Gobbler’s Knob, drawing crowds of up to 40,000 people despite the town’s small population of around 5,800.

The day isn’t a federal holiday, so businesses operate as usual, but it’s a fun observance that signals the midpoint between winter and spring. Festivities include fireworks, talent shows, banquets, and live performances leading up to the main prediction.

The Exact Date for Groundhog Day 2026

Groundhog Day is always on February 2. For 2026, that’s Monday, February 2, 2026. The main event kicks off early in the morning at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Gates open as early as 3:00 a.m. EST, with festivities starting around 6:00 a.m. EST and the official prediction typically happening after 7:00 a.m. EST.

If you’re tuning in from afar, you can watch the live stream on the official Punxsutawney Groundhog Club website or via VisitPA.

Groundhog Day 2026 Countdown

As of February 1, 2026, at 6:14 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time), the countdown to the Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction on February 2, 2026, is approximately 1 day and 1 hour. This is based on the event’s typical timing around 7:25 a.m. EST (about 7:25 p.m. WIB on February 2). Keep in mind that countdowns can vary slightly depending on the exact moment of the prediction, but the official site often features a live timer leading up to the event.

For those in different time zones:

• EST (Punxsutawney time): From February 1, early morning to February 2, ~7:25 a.m.
• UTC: ~12:25 p.m. on February 2.
• WIB: ~7:25 p.m. on February 2.

If you’re excited for spring, remember that the official vernal equinox arrives on March 20, 2026, regardless of Phil’s forecast.

The History and Origins of Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day has deep roots in European folklore, evolving from the Christian festival of Candlemas, where clear weather on February 2 was said to mean a prolonged winter. In Germany, badgers (or sometimes bears or foxes) were observed for their shadows. Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants brought this tradition to the U.S. in the 18th and 19th centuries, substituting the abundant groundhog (known as “grun’daks” in their dialect) for the badger.

The earliest American mention dates back to an 1840 diary entry in Pennsylvania, but the modern celebration began in Punxsutawney in 1887, organized by a newspaper editor and groundhog hunters. Punxsutawney Phil, the star groundhog, has been the official prognosticator since then, with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club caring for him year-round. The event gained massive popularity after the 1993 film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray.

Interestingly, studies show Phil’s predictions are accurate only about 39-52% of the time, with no real correlation to actual weather patterns.

Traditions and Fun Facts About Groundhog Day

• The Prediction Ritual: At dawn, members of the Inner Circle (dressed in top hats and tuxedos) “consult” Phil, who communicates in “Groundhogese.” They then announce the forecast to the crowd.
• Other Groundhogs: While Phil is the most famous, other U.S. and Canadian locations have their own predictors, like Wiarton Willie in Ontario or Jimmy the Groundhog in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
• Global Similarities: Similar weather-lore traditions exist worldwide, such as bear-shadow predictions in Serbia or hedgehog observations in ancient Irish calendars.
• Recent Predictions: In 2024, Phil didn’t see his shadow (early spring), but in 2025, he did (six more weeks of winter).

Groundhog Day also inspires community events, from groundhog-themed feasts to dialect-speaking lodges in Pennsylvania.

Why Groundhog Day Matters in 2026?

As winter lingers, Groundhog Day offers a lighthearted break and a glimmer of hope for warmer days. Whether Phil sees his shadow or not, it’s a reminder that spring is on the horizon. If you’re in Punxsutawney, arrive early—the grounds open at 3:30 a.m., and admission is free.

For more updates, check the official Groundhog Club website. Stay tuned to see if 2026 brings an early thaw!