The Northern Hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun. In many regions, this brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Quick Reference Table (Northern Hemisphere) Meteorological Dates Astronomical Start (Approx.) Spring March 1 – May 31 March 20 (Equinox) Summer June 1 – Aug 31 June 21 (Solstice) Autumn Sept 1 – Nov 30 September 22 (Equinox) Winter Dec 1 – Feb 28/29 December 21 (Solstice) What About the Southern Hemisphere?
Understanding the timing of the four seasons requires looking at both the tilt of the Earth and the patterns of our atmosphere. Here is everything you need to know about when the seasons start and end. 1. The Astronomical Approach (Solstices and Equinoxes)
: Spring (March 1), Summer (June 1), Autumn (Sept 1), Winter (Dec 1). Southern Hemisphere
It is important to remember that these seasons are reversed depending on where you live. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun (Summer), the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away (Winter). Therefore, while a New Yorker is starting their summer on June 21, someone in Sydney, Australia, is beginning their winter. when do the four seasons start and end
Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere (e.g., Australia, South America, South Africa) are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Time and Date
The transition between spring, summer, autumn, and winter shapes our natural world, influencing everything from weather patterns to cultural traditions. However, the exact dates these seasons begin and end depend entirely on whether you look at the planet through the lens of astronomy or meteorology.
To understand seasonal dates, you must first understand the two different methods scientists use to define them. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun
In the Southern Hemisphere, spring starts on:
Meteorologists and climatologists find astronomical dates impractical for keeping records. Because seasonal temperatures vary, grouping months into neat, three-month blocks makes it much easier to calculate climate statistics and compare monthly weather patterns across years. Meteorological seasons always start on the first day of the month and remain exactly the same every single year. Seasons in the Northern Hemisphere
The sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward. Day and night are nearly equal (approx. 12 hours). After this point, days grow longer than nights. The "Vernal" meaning: Derived from the Latin for "spring" and "equal night." Understanding the timing of the four seasons requires
In Ireland, the ancient Celtic calendar defines seasons based on the solstices as the midpoints , not the start. For example:
Scientists and climatologists use the , which breaks the seasons into three-month blocks based on the annual temperature cycle rather than the Earth's tilt. This makes record-keeping much simpler. Spring: March 1 – May 31 Summer: June 1 – August 31 Autumn: September 1 – November 30 Winter: December 1 – February 28 (or 29) 3. Why Do the Dates Shift?
calendar (based on Earth's position relative to the sun) or the meteorological
Seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. (e.g., Australia’s Summer starts in December). 🔍 Key Terms to Know Equinox: Day and night are approximately equal length.
Starts September 1 (Meteorological) or the September Equinox (Astronomical).