A cynical and self-centered weatherman from Pittsburgh, Phil, heads to Punxsutawney for the annual Groundhog Day festivities, accompanied by his producer, Rita, and cameraman, Larry. Despite his disdain for the event, Phil reports on the groundhog's ability to predict the length of winter. After the assignment, a blizzard that Phil himself had said would miss the area prevents the trio from returning to Pittsburgh, forcing them to stay another night in Punxsutawney. Phil awakes the next day to a peculiar and unsettling realization; it's Groundhog Day again, and he's reliving the same day repeatedly.

Trapped in what appears to be a never-ending temporal loop, Phil's initial confusion and panic give way to frustration when he finds himself unable to break the cycle. With each identical day, Phil indulges in reckless behavior, leverages his knowledge of the day's events for personal gain, and experiences bouts of hedonism and despair. Throughout these repetitions, he also grows closer to Rita, becoming increasingly charmed by her positive outlook and kind-hearted nature. As the same day plays out over and over again, Phil begins to contemplate the nature of his life, his relationships, and what it might take to move forward.