Many animals begin their migration or prepare for hibernation during these specific months as the daylight hours dwindle. Summary: When is Fall?
October is often the most photographed month of fall, with tourists flocking to places like New England, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Japanese Alps (for koyo), and Germany's Black Forest.
The months considered "fall" depend on where you are in the world and whether you follow the calendar (meteorological) or the Earth's orbit (astronomical). Fall by Hemisphere Northern Hemisphere , fall typically occurs from September through November Southern Hemisphere , the seasons are reversed, and fall occurs from March through May Time and Date Hemisphere Meteorological Fall (Fixed Months) Astronomical Fall (Variable Dates) September, October, November Late September to Late December March, April, May Late March to Late June Two Ways to Measure Fall Meteorological Versus Astronomical Seasons | News
Just like in the north, meteorologists in the south use neat three-month blocks:
Meteorologists and climatologists divide the year into four equal three-month blocks based on the annual temperature cycle. September, October, and November. Start Date: Always September 1st. End Date: Always November 30th. what months are the fall
As the leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold, and the air takes on a crisp, cool edge, many people find themselves asking a simple yet important question: Whether you're planning a foliage road trip, scheduling seasonal activities, or simply satisfying your curiosity, understanding the timing of autumn—or fall—is essential.
You might wonder why anyone would need a long article to answer such a simple question. The truth is that seasonal definitions affect:
When does fall actually start? Let’s clear it up.
Defining Autumn: What Months Are the Fall Season? The transition from the heat of summer to the crisp chill of winter is one of nature's most dramatic shifts. While most people associate fall with changing leaves, pumpkin spice, and cooler temperatures, the exact timing of the season depends entirely on whether you look at the calendar through an astronomical lens or a meteorological one. Many animals begin their migration or prepare for
Scientists, weather forecasters, and astronomers actually define the seasons using two different methods. This creates slightly different start and end dates for the autumn season. Meteorological Fall (Based on the Calendar)
Meteorologists and climatologists divide the year into four seasons based on the annual temperature cycle and the calendar months. This system is designed to simplify record-keeping, weather forecasting, and climate data analysis.
In many places, September is a blend of summer warmth and fall crispness. Early September still feels like summer, but as the equinox approaches (roughly the 22nd–23rd), temperatures drop, leaves begin to change in northern climates, and the days shorten rapidly. October: Peak Autumn
Homeowners in colder regions need to prepare for fall by cleaning gutters, shutting off irrigation systems, and servicing heating equipment. The ideal window for these tasks is . Waiting until November may be too late if early winter weather arrives. The months considered "fall" depend on where you
Not every place experiences a classic fall. In tropical regions near the equator, there are no distinct seasons—just wet and dry cycles. In these areas, the question becomes largely irrelevant, as temperatures and daylight remain constant year-round.
It begins with the Autumnal Equinox , which usually falls on September 22nd or 23rd.
In the United States and Canada, September also brings Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer vacation season. In the UK, September is harvest festival time.