| Season | Start (approx) | End (approx) | Daylight Trend | Temp Trend | |-------------|---------------------|---------------------|----------------|-------------| | Spring | March 20–21 | June 20–21 | Increasing | Warming | | Summer | June 20–21 | September 22–23 | Decreasing | Hot → mild | | Autumn | September 22–23 | December 21–22 | Decreasing | Cooling | | Winter | December 21–22 | March 20–21 | Increasing | Cold → warming |
Direct rays provide more energy per square inch, leading to warmer temperatures. In winter, when the hemisphere tilts away, sunlight arrives at a shallower angle, spreading energy over a larger area and providing less heat. Defining the Seasons: Astronomical vs. Meteorological season in the northern hemisphere