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Seasons shape what we eat, how we work, where we travel, and even how cultures mark the year. But “when” seasons start depends on which definition you use — astronomical, meteorological, or cultural — and on where you are on Earth. This post explains each system, why they differ, and what those differences mean for weather, ecosystems, culture, and everyday life.
In Ireland and parts of the British Isles, traditional seasons follow the Celtic festivals. They believe the season starts on the cross-quarter days (midpoints between solstices/equinoxes). when do the four seasons start and end
The start and end dates for the four seasons depend on whether you use the astronomical (sun-based) or meteorological (temperature-based) calendar. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Northern Hemisphere Dates (2026) Seasons shape what we eat, how we work,
Starts at the Autumnal Equinox ( September 21–23 ) and ends at the Winter Solstice ( December 20–23 ). Meteorological: Starts September 1 and ends November 30 . In Ireland and parts of the British Isles,
Meteorologists and climatologists use fixed calendar dates for simpler record-keeping and forecasting. These seasons align more closely with the annual temperature cycle. The dates are fixed and do not vary by year.
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.
If you live in countries like Australia, South Africa, or Argentina, the astronomical and meteorological dates remain the same, but the seasons themselves are swapped: Summer March to May: Autumn June to August: Winter September to November: Spring
Seasons shape what we eat, how we work, where we travel, and even how cultures mark the year. But “when” seasons start depends on which definition you use — astronomical, meteorological, or cultural — and on where you are on Earth. This post explains each system, why they differ, and what those differences mean for weather, ecosystems, culture, and everyday life.
In Ireland and parts of the British Isles, traditional seasons follow the Celtic festivals. They believe the season starts on the cross-quarter days (midpoints between solstices/equinoxes).
The start and end dates for the four seasons depend on whether you use the astronomical (sun-based) or meteorological (temperature-based) calendar. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Northern Hemisphere Dates (2026)
Starts at the Autumnal Equinox ( September 21–23 ) and ends at the Winter Solstice ( December 20–23 ). Meteorological: Starts September 1 and ends November 30 .
Meteorologists and climatologists use fixed calendar dates for simpler record-keeping and forecasting. These seasons align more closely with the annual temperature cycle. The dates are fixed and do not vary by year.
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.
If you live in countries like Australia, South Africa, or Argentina, the astronomical and meteorological dates remain the same, but the seasons themselves are swapped: Summer March to May: Autumn June to August: Winter September to November: Spring