When Do The Four Seasons Start And End [upd]

This is why, in Ireland, February 1 is often considered the first official day of spring, and November 1 the first day of winter.

🔥 Solstice = longest/shortest day of the year.

Meteorological seasons — fixed calendar blocks

This comprehensive guide breaks down the exact dates for both systems, explains why they differ, and looks at how seasons flip between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The Two Systems: Astronomical vs. Meteorological when do the four seasons start and end

December 21 or 22 (Winter Solstice) Ends: March 20 or 21Winter begins on the shortest day and the longest night [1, 7]. It is the season of the inward turn. While the surface world seems stark and frozen, the story of winter is actually one of deep, hidden strength. Beneath the frost, life is dreaming and gathering energy [4]. It is a time of silence, starlight, and the necessary rest that makes the coming spring possible.

. For the Southern Hemisphere, these dates are reversed (e.g., March 20 marks the start of Autumn). Time and Date 1. Astronomical Seasons Astronomical seasons begin at the

It is important to remember that seasons are inverted between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. When the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing the Winter Solstice in December, the Southern Hemisphere (countries like Australia and Brazil) is celebrating the Summer Solstice. This is why, in Ireland, February 1 is

To complicate matters further, different cultures around the world define seasons in their own unique ways.

The answer depends entirely on your context.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year. The North Pole is tilted maximally toward the sun. While many consider this "mid-summer," astronomically, it marks the beginning of summer. Day length slowly decreases after this point. The Two Systems: Astronomical vs

Here are the specific dates for 2026 in the , as outlined in The Old Farmer's Almanac : 🌸 Spring Meteorological Start: March 1, 2026 Astronomical Start: March 20, 2026 (Vernal Equinox)

(Flip Northern/Southern Hemisphere labels for the Southern Hemisphere.)