Tip: Always check a current almanac or online calendar for the exact astronomical time (down to the hour) in your specific time zone, as the equinox and solstice times can occur on different calendar days for Eastern vs. Western hemispheres.
Meteorologists and climatologists use a different system. They break the year into four three-month periods based on the annual temperature cycle and the Gregorian calendar. This makes it easier to track weather statistics. March 1 – May 31 Summer: June 1 – August 31 Fall: September 1 – November 30 Winter: December 1 – February 28 (or 29) 2024–2025 Astronomical Season Dates (Northern Hemisphere)
Have you ever woken up on a chilly March morning and wondered, "Is it still winter, or is spring finally here?" The dates marking the change of seasons are not random—they are tied to astronomy and, sometimes, to meteorology. Understanding the difference can help you plan your year.