Overview

March 11 is the 70th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar and the 71st in leap years. Because both the non-leap and leap-year calculations leave the same count of remaining days, March 11 always has 295 days left until the end of the year. For context about leap-year rules see leap year and for the calendar system see the Gregorian calendar.

Calendar and seasonal context

In the Northern Hemisphere March 11 falls during late winter or early spring, about a week or two before the vernal equinox. In the Southern Hemisphere it is late summer moving toward autumn. As with any fixed calendar date, cultural and administrative activities tied to a day shift in significance depending on local climate and fiscal calendars.

Observances and commemorations

Some international and national observances occur on or around March 11. An example of an internationally recognized awareness day held on this date is World Plumbing Day, promoted to highlight the importance of plumbing to public health and sanitation. Various countries and communities also mark anniversaries and memorials on March 11.

Notable historical association

March 11 is widely remembered for several major events that have shaped recent history. Most prominently, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami occurred on this date, causing extensive loss of life and widespread damage, and triggering long-term recovery and energy-policy responses in Japan and beyond. Other political, cultural and scientific events have also fallen on March 11 across different years.

Usage and significance

As a calendar date it is used for anniversaries, legal deadlines, scheduling and cultural observances. Its fixed position relative to the equinox makes it useful when describing seasonal progression in the early part of the year. The date’s repeated association with major events has also given it additional commemorative weight in affected communities.

Quick facts

  • Day of year: 70 (71 in leap years)
  • Days remaining in year: 295
  • Typical seasonal placement: late winter/early spring (Northern Hemisphere)