These are defined by Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt and its position relative to the sun.
The moment the sun crosses the celestial equator. Day and night are nearly equal in length.
The table below outlines the exact start and end dates for both systems in the United States for the year 2026. Astronomical Start Astronomical End Meteorological Start Meteorological End Summer Fall Winter March 19, 2027 Feb 28, 2027 Understanding the Two Systems 1. Astronomical Seasons (Equinoxes & Solstices)
While most of us celebrate the "official" start of a season on the 20th or 21st of a month, weather experts use the 1st of the month to keep data clean and simple.
Understanding the "seasons in usa dates" requires looking at two different systems: the (nature's cycle) and the meteorological (the calendar).
While the above dates apply to the contiguous United States, the seasons can vary in different regions: