Defining Seasons (2024)

When do spring, summer, fall, and winter start and end? It depends on which definition you use and if you are north or south of the equator.

Defining Seasons (1)

The Four Seasons

The Earth's axis is slightly tilted in relation to its orbit around the Sun. This is why we have seasons.

How exactly do seasons work?

In most cultures, including all western countries, the year is commonly divided into four seasons:

  1. Spring
  2. Summer
  3. Fall or Autumn
  4. Winter

Since the year has 12 months, each season lasts about three months. However, the dates when the seasons begin and end vary depending on whom you ask. Two methods are most commonly used to define the dates of the seasons: the astronomical definition and the meteorological definition.

Astronomical terms & definitions

Earth: The living planet

Astronomical Seasons

The astronomical definition uses the dates of equinoxes and solstices to mark the beginning and end of the seasons:

What are equinoxes and solstices?

The beginning of each season marks the end of the last.

Because the timings of the equinoxes and solstices change each year, the length of astronomical seasons within a year and between years also vary.

Equinoxes and solstices dates worldwide

Meteorological Seasons

According to the meteorological definition, the seasons begin on the first day of the months that include the equinoxes and solstices. In the Northern Hemisphere, for example,

  • spring runs from March1 to May31;
  • summer runs from June1 to August31;
  • fall (autumn) runs from September1 to November30; and
  • winter runs from December1 to February28 (February29 in a leap year).

Defining Seasons (2)

Defining Seasons (3)

Opposite Sides – Opposite Seasons

Seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. For example, under the definition of astronomical seasons, the June solstice marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, but it is the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The same rule applies for the other seasons.

The meteorological seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are also opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere:

  • spring starts September 1 and ends November 30;
  • summer starts December 1 and ends February 28 (February 29 in a Leap Year);
  • fall (autumn) starts March 1 and ends May 31; and
  • winter starts June 1 and ends August 31;

The Sun: Our home star

Different Countries, Different Seasons

The question which definition to use divides countries and regions around the world. For example, Australia and New Zealand use the meteorological definition, so spring begins on September1 each year. In many other countries, both definitions are used, depending on the context.

In Ireland, St Brigid's Day on February1 is often thought to mark the beginning of spring in the ancient Celtic calendar system. Some cultures, especially those in South Asia have calendars that divide the year into six seasons, instead of the four that most of us are familiar with.

In Finland and Sweden, the dates of the seasons are not based on the calendar at all, but on temperatures. This means that the seasons within each county start and end on different dates, depending on the regions and their climate.

In Iceland, the first day of summer, a national holiday, falls on the first Thursday after April 18.

Topics: Astronomy, Seasons, March, June, September, December

Defining Seasons (2024)

FAQs

Defining Seasons? ›

A season is a period of the year that is distinguished by special climate conditions. The four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—follow one another regularly. Each has its own light, temperature, and weather patterns that repeat yearly.

What are the ways of defining seasons? ›

The natural rotation of Earth around the sun forms the basis for the astronomical calendar, in which we define seasons with two solstices and two equinoxes. Earth's tilt and the sun's alignment over the equator determine both the solstices and equinoxes.

What are the 4 seasons and describe them? ›

In spring, the weather begins to get warmer and trees and other plants grow new leaves. Summer is the hottest season and has long, usually sunny, days. In the fall, the weather becomes mild and leaves start falling from many types of trees. Winter is the coldest season, with short days.

What are the 4 stages of seasons? ›

The four seasons: spring, summer, autumn (fall) and winter.

How do meteorologists define seasons? ›

For meteorologists, the seasons are defined by the months with temperatures and weather often associated with each. Summer, for example, runs from June through August, when temperatures feel most like “summer.”

What are the 7 types of seasons? ›

These seasons include Vasant Ritu (Spring), Grishma Ritu (Summer), Varsha Ritu (Monsoon), Sharad Ritu (Autumn), Hemant Ritu (Pre-Winter) and Shishir Ritu (Winter).

What are the 5 aspects of seasons? ›

The Seasons in Nature correspond to the Five Elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element has a “character”, owns qualities and participates in relationships with other elements.

What are the seasons in order wise? ›

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) designates four climatological seasons:
  • Winter, occurring from December to February. ...
  • Summer or pre-monsoon season, lasting from March to May. ...
  • Monsoon or rainy season, lasting from June to September. ...
  • Post-monsoon or autumn season, lasting from October to November.

What were the four seasons originally called? ›

Evolved from a Newark vocal group called the Varietones and briefly known as the Four Lovers, the Four Seasons developed a harmony-based style that shared Italian American doo-wop origins with Dion and the Belmonts.

What autumn season means? ›

autumn, season of the year between summer and winter during which temperatures gradually decrease. It is often called fall in the United States because leaves fall from the trees at that time.

What states have four seasons? ›

Download Table Data
StateAll Four Seasons Occur
CaliforniaNo
ColoradoYes
ConnecticutYes
DelawareYes
47 more rows

What is the difference between spring and meteorological spring? ›

The spring season associated with the vernal equinox, called astronomical spring, occurs on or around March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere, but meteorologists recognize March 1 as the first day of meteorological spring, which is based on annual temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar.

What is the difference between meteorological fall and astronomical fall? ›

So what's the difference between Meteorological Fall and Astronomical Fall? The obvious difference is they have different start and end dates. Meteorological Fall starts September 1st and ends November 30th. Astronomical Fall starts September 22nd and ends December 21st.

What is the difference between astronomical and meteorological seasons? ›

Astronomical seasons are based on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun, whereas meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle. The Earth's annual trip around the sun forms the basis for the astronomical calendar in which seasons are defined by two solstices and two equinoxes.

What are the 8 seasons? ›

Instead, they structured time into eight periods: autumn-winter; winter; spring-winter; spring; spring-summer; summer; summer-autumn and autumn.

What are 6 seasons called? ›

Vasanta (Spring), Grishma(Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharad(Autumn), Hemanta (pre-winter) and Shishira (winter) and this are called Ritu's.

How is winter defined? ›

Winter is often defined by meteorologists to be the three calendar months with the lowest average temperatures. This corresponds to the months of December, January and February in the Northern Hemisphere, and June, July and August in the Southern Hemisphere.

What three things affect seasons? ›

Factors affecting seasons on other planets
  • The distance of the planet from the Sun. If a planet is close to the Sun (eg. ...
  • The rotation time of the planet. Planets that have a long rotation time (eg. ...
  • The composition and density of the planet's atmosphere. ...
  • The axial tilt of the planet. ...
  • The orbital eccentricity of the planet.

What is the five elements theory and seasons? ›

ElementSeasonFluid
woodspringtears
firesummersweat
earthnonesaliva
metalfallmucus
1 more row
Oct 18, 2021

How do the four seasons also represent a cycle? ›

The cycles of life have often been referred to as seasons. Spring can represent birth and childhood. Summer can represent the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Fall is the older, mature years, and Winter refers to the declining years leading to death.

Is fall the same thing as autumn? ›

Autumn and fall are used interchangeably as words for the season between summer and winter. Both are used in American and British English, but fall occurs more often in American English. Autumn is considered the more formal name for the season.

What season is it in Japan? ›

The four seasons in Japan

The period from March to May is spring, June to August is summer, September to November is autumn, and December to February is winter.

What is the golden rule of Four Seasons? ›

Several decades ago, Four Seasons introduced a mission statement based on The Golden Rule: To treat others as we'd wish to be treated ourselves. “The Golden Rule guides our interactions with our guests, our business partners and investors, but most importantly – with each other,” says Sharp.

What was the season called before spring? ›

Before Spring was called Spring, it was called Lent in Old English. Starting in the 14th century, that time of year was called “springing time”—a reference to plants “springing” from the ground.

Why are there four separate seasons? ›

As the earth spins on its axis, producing night and day, it also moves about the sun in an elliptical (elongated circle) orbit that requires about 365 1/4 days to complete. The earth's spin axis is tilted with respect to its orbital plane. This is what causes the seasons.

Why do Americans say fall instead of autumn? ›

Although both fall and autumn stem from Britain, autumn was the more popular word for a long time. Both have had their ups and downs in popularity. It wasn't until the 1800s that American English and British English took unofficial stances on these words: fall is the word of choice in the U.S., and autumn in Britain.

Why is fall called fall? ›

The word “fall” likely stems from “the fall of the leaves” or “falling of the leaves,” phrases poets liked, according to Merriam-Webster. Not long after, people shortened the phrase to “fall” in the 1600s. Eventually, the English empire grew before the eventual independence of the United States.

What does autumn mean biblically? ›

The Biblical meaning of autumn is closely associated with harvest which was a time to thank God for His goodness and His blessings upon the earth.

Which US city has all four seasons? ›

1. Corvallis, Oregon. Corvallis is a city of around 60,000 people that has a mild four-season climate. The city is noted for its outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, and fishing.

What state has the best all year weather? ›

Based on these criteria, California has the best weather in all 50 states. Coastal cities in south and central California, such as San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Barbara, experience only 20 inches of rain per year and temperatures typically between the low 60s and 85 degrees.

What is the best state to live in with all the seasons? ›

Thanks to the mild climate and exquisite scenery everywhere you look, Western North Carolina is the best place to live experience all four seasons. Whether you want to lead an active lifestyle or simply relax and watch the scenery change throughout the year, Western North Carolina has it all.

What are the 4 seasons in Spanish? ›

The seasons in Spanish
EnglishSpanishPronunciation
SummerEl veranoveh-rah-no
Autumn / FallEl otoñooh-toe-nyoh
WinterEl inviernoin-vee-air-no
SpringLa primaverapre-mah-veh-rah
4 more rows
Oct 3, 2022

What are the 4 seasons in French? ›

We all know the four seasons: printemps (spring), été (summer), automne (autumn) and hiver (winter).

What are the 4 seasons in Latin? ›

Quatuor tempora anni: the 4 seasons of the year
LatinTranslation
🌱 VerSpring
☀️ ÆstasSummer
🍂 AutumnusAutumn
❄️ HiemsWinter
Mar 26, 2023

What was the 4 seasons original name? ›

Who were The Four Seasons? In 1960, the band launched as The Four Lovers, and later evolved into the Four Seasons. Frankie Valli was the band's lead singer, alongside Bob Gaudio (previously of the Royal Teens) on keyboards and vocals, Tommy DeVito on lead guitar and vocals, and Nick Massi on electric bass vocals.

How do you describe the seasons in Spanish? ›

la primavera – “spring” el verano – “summer” el otoño – “autumn/fall” el invierno – “winter”

What are the 4 seasons of the soul? ›

Every soul goes through seasons, just like the seasons within a calendar year. Winter, spring, summer, and fall are all seasons of the soul that we encounter. Maybe where you live, you don't encounter every season outside, but your soul does on the inside.

What is the biblical meaning of seasons? ›

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV. Ecclesiastes gives us many examples of seasons we'll face in life: times of birth, death, weeping and joy. The Bible shows us that experiencing good and bad times in our lives is normal and to be expected.

How does each season relate to mans life? ›

Spring is when new leaves grow, it is like the birth of a man. Summer is the youth of a man, where his life is young and bright, like the sunny weather. Autumn is the old age, where man starts to wither, and winter is finally death, where man fades away.

What are the 4 seasons in German? ›

The seasons in German
EnglishGermanIPA
SpringDer Frühling / das Frühjahr[ˈfʁyːlɪŋ / ˈfryːˌjaːr]
SummerDer Sommer[ˈsɔmɐ]
Autumn / fallDer Herbst[hɛʁpst]
WinterDer Winter[ˈvɪntɐ]
3 more rows
Sep 15, 2022

What are the 4 seasons in Europe? ›

Seasons and Weather in Europe

Europe's weather patterns generally follow four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each of these seasons affects countries differently and has its pros and cons when it comes to travelling.

Were the Four Seasons Italian? ›

The Four Seasons, Italian Le quattro stagioni, group of four violin concerti by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi, each of which gives a musical expression to a season of the year.

Why do we call summer summer? ›

“Summer” came from the Old English name for that time of year, sumor. This, in turn, came from the Proto-Germanic sumur-, which itself came from the Proto-Indo-European root sam- (sam- seems to be a variant of the Proto-Indo-European sem-, meaning “together / one").

Why is December so cold? ›

When the northern hemisphere is pointed toward the sun, sunlight hits more directly, and it warms up this part of the earth. In the winter, when the northern hemisphere is pointed away from the sun slightly, the sun's rays come in at an angle and have less of an impact. This makes winter cold!

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