The astronomical start of a season is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun.

Here is more explanation about how astronomers and meteorologists define seasons differently: Subtract 3 hours for Pacific time, 2 hours for Mountain time, 1 hour for Central time, and so on.

Note: The dates above correspond to the start of the listed seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. The First Days of the Seasons 2023 Seasons The meteorological start date is based on our 12-month civiil calendar as well as the annual temperature cycle.The astronomical start date is based on the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth.

It sounds complicated, but trust us, it’s not! Each season has both an astronomical start and a meteorological start. The dates when the seasons begin and end vary depending on whom you ask. Our year (12 months) is commonly divided into four seasons, with each lasting about three months (but not exactly). In fact, winter is when Earth is closest to the Sun (and visa versa). It’s the Earth’s tilted axis which causes the seasons. Many folks assume that the four seasons happen because Earth is closer to the Sun in the summer (so it’s hotter) and then farther from the Sun in the winter (so it’s colder). (Do you know which season is the shortest?) What’s the reason for the seasons? Here are the equinox and solstice dates for 2023-plus, answers to common questions about the seasons of the year in North America.

Four seasons autumn