Another trip around the sun, another year in which we get to blame our problems on the planets. We will once again encounter Mercury retrograde in 2026—not once, not twice, but thrice. To make sure we’re fully prepared for this triple threat, we’ve collected all the data for you. In this article, you’ll find out the dates for Mercury retrograde 2026, plus how it will affect your zodiac sign in 2026.
When is Mercury retrograde in 2026?
First, a brief overview of the dates so you can mark them in your calendar. We will encounter the first Mercury retrograde of 2026 in February. Which is fine, since we’ve had time to catch our breath since the last one on November 29, 2025.
Caution: The after-effects of Mercury retrograde can still be felt around two weeks after it ends, so it’s always worth taking things a little slower afterwards. Here is an overview of the three phases of Mercury retrograde 2026.
February 26 to March 20 in the zodiac sign of Pisces
June 29 to July 24 in the zodiac sign of Cancer
October 24 to November 13 in the zodiac sign of Scorpio
What happens when Mercury is retrograde?
Of course, the planet Mercury does not actually move backwards in its orbit. From Earth, you can see an optical illusion that makes it look as if it is actually moving backwards. As it is the fastest planet in our solar system—and is also particularly close to the Earth—Mercury goes backwards about three to four times a year. This phenomenon is called Mercury retrograde.
What Mercury retrograde 2026 means for your zodiac sign
Mercury is the planet that stands for communication and technology in astrology. So when Mercury turns retrograde, these areas are most often affected by problems, mishaps or misunderstandings. Time and again, things happen that you either have no control over at first glance or that you have not assessed correctly. It also depends on which zodiac sign the planet is currently in—which is why we’ve broken it down for you here and explained the meaning for your zodiac sign.
Mercury retrograde from February 26 to March 20, 2026
A retrograde Mercury in Pisces can shake up routines and everyday obligations. The zodiac sign of Pisces is guided by intuition and values daydreaming like no other. And this can translate to all zodiac signs during a Mercury retrograde, making it difficult to bring your A game.
When Mercury retrograde occurs in Pisces, you may forget a date here or double-book a meeting there. On top of that, apologies somehow don’t come easily. All in all, during the weeks of Mercury retrograde in Pisces, a certain kind of sloppiness makes itself at home in our lives.
So what should we do? During these three weeks, you should listen to your intuition and to yourself. Taking breaks and creative time-outs is good for your body and mind. In personal relationships, it’s worth being considerate with your significant other if an appointment is forgotten or a misunderstanding arises.
Mercury retrograde from June 29 to July 24, 2026
The second Mercury retrograde of 2026 takes place in Cancer, a sign known for deep feelings and a fierce protectiveness towards family. For Cancerians, a sound family life means everything, and if a Mercury retrograde upsets this structure, chaos is imminent. Even the most harmonious family or relationship will be in turmoil, with conflicts, arguments and profound misunderstandings becoming the order of the day. What you didn’t dare to say before can now be flushed to the surface with just a little irritation.
