Astronomical seasons are determined by Earth's position relative to the sun. Fall (autumn) begins with the —the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator from north to south. On this day, day and night are nearly equal in length worldwide. Fall ends with the winter solstice , the shortest day of the year.
August is the final month of summer (meteorological summer runs June, July, August). However, in very high latitudes or alpine regions, August nights may feel "autumnal."
Farmers and gardeners need to know when fall begins to plan:
It’s important to remember that seasons are reversed on the other side of the equator. While North Americans are carving pumpkins, Australians are preparing for spring. In countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa: March, April, and May. Autumnal Equinox: Occurs around March 20 or 21. Why Does the Timing Matter? what months are the fall
So what months are the fall in the Southern Hemisphere?
For most everyday purposes, you cannot go wrong if you assume fall is September, October, and November in the north, or March, April, and May in the south. These three months capture the vast majority of autumn weather patterns and cultural events.
For those below the equator, the calendar tells a different story. When North Americans are bundling up for November, Australians and Argentinians are enjoying spring flowers. So in the Southern Hemisphere? The answer is March, April, and May. Fall ends with the winter solstice , the
If you live in Australia, New Zealand, South America, or southern Africa, your autumn happens during the first half of the calendar year. March, April, May. Start date: March 1st. End date: May 31st.
Whether you're raking leaves in Ontario, sipping wine in Mendoza, or planning a foliage tour in Japan, knowing the correct fall months helps you make the most of this beautiful season. Autumn is a time of transition, harvest, and preparation—and understanding its timing allows you to fully embrace everything it has to offer.
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) While North Americans are carving pumpkins, Australians are
To understand the progression of a traditional northern autumn, it helps to examine how the environment changes month by month. September: The Transition
During these months, while those in the north are enjoying the bloom of spring, the southern regions are experiencing dropping temperatures, shedding leaves, and preparing for winter. Astronomical vs. Meteorological Fall
If you live in North America, Europe, Asia, or northern Africa, your autumn occurs during the standard late-year months. September, October, November. Astronomical period: Late September to late December. Southern Hemisphere Fall
If you live south of the equator, the seasons are completely reversed. For the Southern Hemisphere, fall takes place during: April