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The shortest day of the year. After this, the days slowly start getting longer again!
Meteorologists and climatologists use a simpler system that aligns with the calendar and annual temperature cycle. This makes record-keeping and forecasting more consistent. season change dates
While the calendar tells us exactly when a season begins, the "feeling" of the season often arrives weeks earlier or later depending on where you live. Whether you prefer the meteorological simplicity of starting a season on the 1st of the month, or the astronomical wonder of the solstice, paying attention to these dates helps us stay connected to the natural world. The shortest day of the year
| Season | Northern Hemisphere | Southern Hemisphere | Astronomical Marker | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | March Equinox (Mar 19–21) | September Equinox (Sep 22–23) | Sun crosses celestial equator northward | | Summer | June Solstice (Jun 20–22) | December Solstice (Dec 21–22) | Longest day of the year | | Autumn (Fall) | September Equinox (Sep 22–23) | March Equinox (Mar 19–21) | Sun crosses celestial equator southward | | Winter | December Solstice (Dec 21–22) | June Solstice (Jun 20–22) | Shortest day of the year | This makes record-keeping and forecasting more consistent
For the Southern Hemisphere, swap spring/autumn dates and summer/winter dates.