When Is the Next Leap Year? (2028 and Beyond)
The next leap year is 2028. Learn why we have leap years, the 400-year rule, and see the full list of leap years from 2024 to 2100.
Quick Answer
The next leap year is 2028. Leap years occur every 4 years, with some exceptions. Check any year instantly with our Leap Year Checker.
Upcoming Leap Years
| Year | Feb 29 Falls On |
|---|---|
| 2028 | Tuesday |
| 2032 | Sunday |
| 2036 | Friday |
| 2040 | Wednesday |
| 2044 | Monday |
The Leap Year Rules
A year is a leap year if:
- It is divisible by 4, AND
- It is NOT divisible by 100, UNLESS
- It is also divisible by 400.
So 2000 was a leap year (divisible by 400), but 1900 was not (divisible by 100 but not 400). The next century year that will be a leap year is 2400.
Why Do We Need Leap Years?
Earth takes approximately 365.2422 days to orbit the Sun. Without leap years, our calendar would drift by about 1 day every 4 years — or about 24 days every century. After a few hundred years, summer would arrive in what the calendar calls "winter."
Leap Day Birthdays
People born on February 29 (called "leaplings") only get their actual birthday every 4 years. In non-leap years, they typically celebrate on February 28 or March 1. Curious about your own birthday? Try our Birthday Countdown or Weekday Calculator.