When Do The Four Seasons Start And End [repack] May 2026

1. Astronomical Seasons (based on Earth's position relative to the Sun)

2. Meteorological Seasons (based on annual temperature cycles, simpler for record-keeping)

Key difference: Astronomical seasons vary slightly each year (dates shift by 1–2 days), while meteorological seasons have fixed calendar dates. Most weather forecasts and climate data use the meteorological system.

The start and end dates of the four seasons depend on whether you follow the astronomical

calendar (based on Earth's position relative to the sun) or the meteorological

calendar (based on the annual temperature cycle and fixed three-month blocks). The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2026 Seasonal Dates (Northern Hemisphere)

For those in the Northern Hemisphere (e.g., North America, Europe, much of Asia), the dates are: Astronomical Dates (2026) Meteorological Dates March 20 – June 20 March 1 – May 31 June 21 – September 21 June 1 – August 31 September 22 – December 20 September 1 – November 30 December 21 – March 19, 2027 December 1 – February 28 2026 Seasonal Dates (Southern Hemisphere)

Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere (e.g., Australia, South America, South Africa) are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Time and Date

Meteorological and Astronomical Seasons: Southern ... - NOAA

In the celestial clockwork of our world, the four seasons aren’t just dates on a calendar; they are the rhythmic breathing of the Earth as it tilts toward and away from the sun. The Awakening: Spring when do the four seasons start and end

Starts: March 20 or 21 (Vernal Equinox)Ends: June 20 or 21Spring begins at the Equinox, a moment of perfect balance where day and night are equal [1, 2]. It is the Earth’s exhale after a long slumber. This season is a story of resurrection—the sudden greening of the hills, the frantic song of returning birds, and the softening of the soil [3, 4]. It is the brief, fragile window where the world transitions from "surviving" back to "thriving." The Radiance: Summer

Starts: June 20 or 21 (Summer Solstice)Ends: September 22 or 23Summer arrives when the Earth’s tilt toward the sun reaches its maximum, gifting us the longest day of the year [1, 5]. It is the season of abundance and intensity. The story of summer is told in the heavy heat of the afternoon, the drone of cicadas, and the deep, dark greens of full-growth forests [4]. It is a time of outward energy, where life burns at its brightest before the slow cooling begins. The Letting Go: Autumn

Starts: September 22 or 23 (Autumnal Equinox)Ends: December 21 or 22As the sun crosses the equator again, we return to balance, but with a different weight [1, 6]. Autumn is the Earth’s sigh. The story here is one of beautiful surrender. Trees shed what they no longer need, turning their leaves into a final, fiery display of gold and crimson [4, 6]. It is a season of harvest and preparation—a reminder that there is dignity and beauty in endings. The Quiet: Winter

Starts: December 21 or 22 (Winter Solstice)Ends: March 20 or 21Winter begins on the shortest day and the longest night [1, 7]. It is the season of the inward turn. While the surface world seems stark and frozen, the story of winter is actually one of deep, hidden strength. Beneath the frost, life is dreaming and gathering energy [4]. It is a time of silence, starlight, and the necessary rest that makes the coming spring possible.

Traditional Chinese Solar Terms (Lì)

The Chinese calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms, each about 15 days long. While the solstices and equinoxes are included (as "Summer Solstice" and "Winter Solstice"), the start of a season is different:

These dates are based on the sun’s celestial longitude reaching 315°, 45°, 135°, and 225°, respectively.

Ecological (Phenological) Seasons

Ecologists don't care about calendar dates at all. Instead, they track phenoseasons—the actual biological events in nature:

In this system, the start date of a season is different every year and depends on your latitude, altitude, and local climate.

For Everyday Life:

Most people intuitively use a hybrid approach. They say summer ends on Labor Day (first Monday in September) or after the kids go back to school. They say spring starts when the last frost date passes. But if you need a simple, memorable answer for the question, "When do the four seasons start and end?" the cleanest answer is: Spring: Starts at the Vernal Equinox (March 19–21)

That is the meteorological definition, and it is now the standard for most official government climate records.

6. Summary

The start and end dates for the four seasons depend on whether you use the astronomical (sun-based) or meteorological (temperature-based) calendar. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Northern Hemisphere Dates (2026)

For most people in the Northern Hemisphere, the official "first day" of a season follows the astronomical calendar, though weather experts use fixed monthly dates for better data tracking. Time and Date Astronomical (Sun Position) Meteorological (Calendar) March 20 – June 20 March 1 – May 31 June 21 – Sept 21 June 1 – August 31 Sept 22 – Dec 20 Sept 1 – Nov 30 Dec 21 – March 19 (2027) Dec 1 – Feb 28 (2027) Why Two Different Systems?

Seasons of the Year: When Do They Start and End? - Time and Date

When Do the Four Seasons Start and End? A Comprehensive Guide

The four seasons - spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter - are a fundamental part of our planet's annual cycle. Each season brings its own unique characteristics, weather patterns, and activities, and understanding when they start and end can help us make the most of the year. In this article, we'll explore the exact dates of the four seasons and what you can expect during each one.

The Astronomical Definition of the Seasons

The four seasons are defined by the Earth's position in its orbit around the Sun. The planet's axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees, which means that the amount of sunlight it receives varies throughout the year. The seasons are determined by the following astronomical events:

When Do the Four Seasons Start and End?

The dates of the four seasons vary slightly from year to year due to the Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun. However, the following dates are generally accepted as the start and end dates of each season:

The Meteorological Definition of the Seasons

While the astronomical definition of the seasons is based on the Earth's position in its orbit, the meteorological definition is based on the annual temperature cycle. The meteorological seasons are defined as:

This definition is often used by meteorologists and climatologists to simplify the analysis of weather patterns and climate trends.

What to Expect During Each Season

Now that we've covered the start and end dates of the four seasons, let's take a brief look at what you can expect during each one:

Conclusion

The four seasons are an integral part of our planet's annual cycle, and understanding when they start and end can help us appreciate the changing world around us. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast, a weather buff, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, knowing the dates of the seasons can help you make the most of the year. So mark your calendars, plan your activities, and enjoy the unique characteristics of each season!

Use Astronomical Seasons when:

Winter (Astronomical)

What happens: The winter solstice has the fewest hours of daylight. The North Pole is tilted farthest from the sun. Ironically, this is when the "cold season" officially begins astronomically, even though many locations have already experienced freezing weather. Use Astronomical Seasons when:

Why the dates shift: The astronomical dates vary because a tropical year (Earth’s orbit) is not exactly 365 days—it is roughly 365.2422 days. This is why we have leap years, which push the solstice and equinox dates by about six hours each year, causing them to land on different calendar days.