Seasons Start And End Dates ((exclusive)) Jun 2026

Many cultures, particularly in Northern Europe, celebrate "Midsummer" or "Midwinter" festivals. This aligns with the logic that if the days are getting longer until the solstice, the solstice is the peak—therefore, the middle—of the season.

Whether you grab your sweater on September 1st or wait for the equinox two weeks later, the changing of the seasons remains one of the most reliable rhythms of life on Earth. seasons start and end dates

For 2026, the transitions between seasons depend on which system you use and which hemisphere you are in. For 2026, the transitions between seasons depend on

The start and end dates of the seasons are often marked by significant astronomical events: Astronomical seasons begin at the exact moment of

The Quiet Edges of Seasons

While the astronomical calendar defines the solstice as the start of summer, many cultures historically viewed it differently. If you have ever wondered why Shakespeare’s play is called A Midsummer Night's Dream despite taking place near the solstice, it’s because ancient traditions viewed the solstice as the middle of the season, not the beginning.

Astronomical seasons begin at the exact moment of an equinox or solstice. Because the Earth's orbit is elliptical, these dates can vary slightly by a day or two each year. Season (Northern Hemisphere) Start Date (2026) End Date (2026) (Vernal Equinox) March 20 (14:46 UTC) Summer (Summer Solstice) June 21 (08:24 UTC) September 22 Autumn (Autumnal Equinox) September 23 (00:05 UTC) December 20 Winter (Winter Solstice) December 21 (20:50 UTC) March 19, 2027