In the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth begins to tilt back toward the sun, leading to warmer temperatures and the blooming of flora. 2. Summer (The Season of Heat)
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:
You might notice that the astronomical start dates move slightly from year to year (e.g., Spring starting on March 20th one year and the 21st the next). This happens because a solar year is actually long, not exactly 365. Our Gregorian calendar accounts for this with Leap Years, which resets the alignment and causes those minor shifts in the equinox and solstice dates. 4. The Hemisphere Flip
Following the gentle growth of spring is the peak of the solar year: summer. During these months, the hemisphere is at its maximum tilt toward the sun, resulting in the longest days and the most intense heat. Summer is a time of high energy and abundance, where nature is at its most productive. For humans, it often represents a period of leisure and outdoor activity, characterized by school vacations and the harvest of summer fruits. When Do Seasons Start and End? - Time and Date
The shortest day and longest night of the year. The North Pole is tilted farthest from the sun. Ironically, despite being the "start" of winter, the coldest temperatures usually lag a few weeks behind due to thermal inertia. when do the four seasons start and end
Astronomical seasons are defined by the Earth’s position relative to the Sun. Their start and end dates vary slightly each year (usually by 1–2 days) due to the leap year cycle.
If you celebrate May Day (May 1st) as the start of summer or Halloween (Oct 31st/Nov 1st) as the start of winter, you are following the Celtic calendar.
Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere (e.g., Australia, South America, South Africa) are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Time and Date
You might notice that the astronomical start dates can shift by a day or two each year. This happens because a solar year (the time it takes for Earth to orbit the sun) is actually about 365.24 days, not a perfect 365. Our leap year system corrects this, but it causes the exact timing of the equinoxes and solstices to wobble slightly on the calendar. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth begins to
Because of seasonal lag and specific heat . The ground and oceans take time to warm up. Even though the sun is higher in the sky, the Earth is still releasing stored heat from winter. This is why May is typically warmer than March, even though the sun intensity is similar.
Because the Earth takes about 365.24 days to orbit the sun, these dates shift slightly each year, which is why we have leap years to keep them from drifting too far. 2. The Meteorological Seasons
Winter brings the coldest weather, shorter days, and freezing temperatures.
For everyday life, planning, and understanding when it will actually get hot or cold, the Meteorological calendar is more useful . For understanding the Earth’s relationship with the sun, celebrating ancient festivals, or explaining why the North Pole has 24 hours of daylight, the Astronomical calendar is essential . However, the following dates are generally accepted as
The timing of the seasons depends on whether you follow the calendar (based on Earth's position relative to the sun) or the meteorological calendar (based on temperature cycles). 📅 Astronomical Seasons (2026)
The truth is, there is no single, universally accepted answer. The confusion surrounding the start and end dates of the four seasons stems from two primary systems of measurement: and meteorological seasons .
: Based on Earth's position relative to the Sun. These dates vary slightly each year due to the Earth's elliptical orbit. Tools like the Time and Date Season Calculator can show exact times for your specific location.