While 2 september 1945 is generally recognised as the final, official end of the second world war, in many parts of the world fighting continued long beyond that date. May 8, 2025there are three official dates for the end of world war ii because of three signing ceremonies on may 8, may 9, and september 2, 1945. Learn about key wwii dates in this timeline of events, including when ww2 started and ended.