Days Until Groundhog Day

Live countdown to Phil's Prediction at 7:20 AM ET

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Days Until Groundhog Day 2027

Phil's Forecast (7:20 AM ET)
359Days
11Hours
37Minutes
15Seconds

Forecast Details
February 2, 2027Event Date
TuesdayDay of Week
51.4 WeeksWeeks Left
11.8 MonthsMonths Left
256 daysWork Days Left
Gobbler's KnobLocation
Summary

There are 359 days, 11 hours, and 37 minutes left until Groundhog Day 2027.

Future Groundhog Days
YearDateDayDays Left
2027February 2Tuesday359 days
2028February 2Wednesday724 days
2029February 2Friday1090 days
2030February 2Saturday1455 days
2031February 2Sunday1820 days
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The Legend of the Shadow: Your Ultimate Guide to Groundhog Day

On a freezing cold morning in western Pennsylvania, thousands of people gather to watch a large rodent emerge from a hole. It sounds like madness, but it is one of America's most beloved traditions.

If you are checking "How many days until Groundhog Day?", you are likely eager for one specific answer: When will winter end? Will we be putting away our coats early, or should we keep the snow shovels handy for six more weeks?

Our Live Groundhog Day Countdown Tool above tracks the precise moment Punxsutawney Phil makes his forecast. But beyond the timer, this guide explores the weird history, the surprising accuracy (or lack thereof) of groundhog meteorology, and how a small town built a global festival around a furry weatherman.

When is Groundhog Day 2027? (Feb 2nd Rule)

Groundhog Day is always celebrated on February 2nd. This date falls exactly halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, making it a "Cross-Quarter Day."

🌤️ The Shadow Rule

The legend is simple but strict. At roughly 7:20 AM ET, Phil emerges from his burrow at Gobbler's Knob.

  • If Phil sees his shadow: He gets scared and runs back inside. This predicts 6 more weeks of winter.
  • If Phil does NOT see his shadow: He stays out. This predicts an Early Spring.

Ironically, a sunny day leads to a "Winter" forecast (because the sun casts a shadow), while a cloudy day leads to "Spring."

From Candlemas to Bill Murray: A History

How did we get here? The tradition is a blend of ancient astronomy, European folklore, and American marketing.

Candlemas Day: Early Christians celebrated Candlemas on February 2nd. An old English song went: "If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again."

The German Influence: German settlers in Pennsylvania brought a tradition where they used a hedgehog to predict the weather. Since hedgehogs weren't native to PA, they switched to the abundant (and equally grumpy) groundhog.

The Movie Effect: While the tradition started in 1887, the 1993 film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray catapulted the event into global superstardom. Attendance at Gobbler's Knob jumped from a few thousand to over 30,000 practically overnight.

The Economics of a Rodent: Punxsutawney's Boom

For the small town of Punxsutawney (Population: ~5,700), this isn't just a holiday; it is their entire economic engine.

40,000

Visitors flood the town, outnumbering residents by nearly 8 to 1.

$5 Million

Estimated economic impact on the local region in just one weekend.

39%

Phil's accuracy rate according to Stormfax. (Basically, flipping a coin is better).

138+

Years Phil has been predicting. (Legend says he drinks an elixir of life).

The Countdown Strategy: Watching the Event

You don't have to be in Pennsylvania to watch the drama unfold. Use our days until Groundhog Day timer to set your alarm.

3:00 AM ET
The Gates Open: For the brave souls attending in person, the trek to Gobbler's Knob begins in the middle of the night. It involves buses, hiking, and freezing temperatures.
6:00 AM ET
The Live Stream: Most major news networks (CNN, Fox, NBC) and the Visit PA website begin their live coverage. This is when the fireworks usually start.
7:20 AM ET
The Prediction: The Inner Circle (men in top hats) tap on Phil's door. He emerges, "speaks" in Groundhogese to the President, and the scroll is read.

It's Not Just Phil: Famous Rivals

While Phil is the king, he isn't the only weather-predicting rodent.

  • Staten Island Chuck (New York): Boasts a higher accuracy rate (reportedly 80%). He famously bit Mayor Bloomberg in 2009.
  • General Beauregard Lee (Georgia): The prognosticator of the South. He predicts weather for the warmer states and has received honorary doctorates from the University of Georgia.
  • Wiarton Willie (Canada): An albino groundhog from Ontario. His festival is a massive multi-day event in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the Inner Circle folklore? Yes. He drinks a magic "elixir of life" every summer. In reality? Groundhogs live about 6 years in captivity. There have been many "Phils."

He lives in a climate-controlled burrow at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library with his wife, Phyllis. You can visit him year-round through a viewing window!

Scientifically, it doesn't. However, clear skies in winter (which create shadows) are often associated with high-pressure systems that bring very cold, Arctic air. So, there is a tiny grain of meteorological truth to the folklore.

Winter or Spring?

Whether you want snow days or blooming flowers, the verdict is coming. Use our Groundhog Day Countdown Timer to be ready for the moment Phil decides our fate.

Bookmark this page! Our timer automatically resets for next year as soon as Phil goes back to sleep.

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