Javascript - get array of dates between 2 dates

javascript

date-formatting

javascript-utility-functions

date-arithmetic

byAnton Shumikhin·Feb 26, 2025

const getDatesArray = (start, end) => {
    const arr = [];
    while(start <= end) {
        // "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana."
        // Luckily, our dates only fly one day at a time.
        arr.push(new Date(start));
        start.setDate(start.getDate() + 1);
    }
    return arr;
};

// Usage (our start and end dates):
console.log(getDatesArray(new Date('2023-01-01'), new Date('2023-01-05')));

getDatesArray provides a lightweight solution to generating date ranges in JavaScript, without any need for third-party libraries. As promised, it literally "dates" the given period 😁.

Leap years and time zones considerations

Make sure to always consider leap years and time zones. To address DST shifts, using UTC dates and date functions can save you from a coding headache or a leap of faith.

start.setUTCDate(start.getUTCDate() + 1);

Input Validation

Always validate input data. Ensure the start date is actually less than or equal to the end date. Otherwise, you might maze yourself into an infinite loop, and no coffee supply is large enough to endure that.

Awesome formatting

A good front-end dev knows that looks do matter. Render the output as readable date strings. Stick a .map() and .join() at the end of the array and make those dates shine!

When Dependencies Are Your Dependences

You might not always want to depend on hefty libraries like moment.js. For a problem like this, native JavaScript provides elegance without that extra weight.

Making the Function Your Own

Make these ranges work for you by adding a “step” parameter. Now we’re making strides... one day at a time (or as you see fit).

Special Cases

Leap Year Busters

We've got you covered when a date range steps into a leap year. And yes, February 29th counts!

The Year-End Conundrum

What happens if the range stretches over New Year's Eve? Don't sweat it; this function will handle the party and sequence the dates correctly.

Date Formatting

Remember, JavaScript's Date object provides toLocaleDateString method to cater to regional or application-specific needs:

getDatesArray(start, end).map(date => date.toLocaleDateString('en-US'));

Talking about Intervals

The getDatesArray can adjust to different time intervals beyond just daily. Modify the function to yield hourly, weekly, or even monthly ranges.

Interactive Demo

See this function in a live action by checking an interactive demo. Feel free to experiment with various start and end dates to see this little script's magic: