4 Seasons Weather Dates ((install)) -
You might notice that the astronomical start dates shift by a day or two each year. This happens because a "calendar year" (365 days) doesn't perfectly match the "solar year" (roughly 365.24 days). Our leap year system helps correct this, but it causes the exact moment of the equinox or solstice to drift slightly over time.
December 1 – February 28 (or 29) Duration: 90 days (or 91 in a Leap Year)
December 21 or 22 Meteorological Start: December 1 4 seasons weather dates
Here is the complete guide to the four seasons, their specific dates, and the science behind the shift. The Two Ways to Measure Seasons
While the transition of seasons feels like a slow fade from one temperature to another, the calendar actually defines these changes with astronomical precision. Whether you are tracking the first frost or planning a summer getaway, understanding the "why" and "when" of the four seasons helps you stay in sync with the planet. You might notice that the astronomical start dates
Here’s a clear, standard reference text for the four seasons with their typical meteorological and astronomical date ranges in the Northern Hemisphere:
The following report uses the , as these are the standard used by weather agencies (like the NOAA in the US or the Met Office in the UK) for record-keeping and forecasting. They provide consistent start and end dates each year. December 1 – February 28 (or 29) Duration:
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Key Characteristic | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | March 1 | May 31 | Warming temps, Storms, Flooding | | Summer | June 1 | August 31 | Hottest temps, Heatwaves, Hurricanes | | Autumn | September 1 | November 30 | Cooling temps, Frost, Foliage | | Winter | December 1 | February 28/29 | Coldest temps, Snow, Shortest days |
March 20 or 21 Meteorological Start: March 1
Spring begins with the . On this day, the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length.