Every season has its moment.

Meteorological and astronomical seasons

Meteorological seasons are whole months, which makes them easy to compare year to year. In the northern hemisphere, spring runs from 1 March, summer from 1 June, autumn from 1 September and winter from 1 December. Astronomical seasons start at the equinoxes and solstices, around 20 March, 21 June, 22 September and 21 December, and the exact day varies a little each year and by time zone.

Seasons by country

The seasons are reversed in the southern hemisphere, so a country such as Australia has summer from December. Choose a country calendar and time zone above to see the dates that apply to you.

Season questions

When does spring start?

In the northern hemisphere, meteorological spring starts on 1 March and astronomical spring starts at the March equinox, around 20 March. In the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed.

What is the difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons?

Meteorological seasons are whole months, starting on the 1st of March, June, September and December. Astronomical seasons start at the equinoxes and solstices, which move by a day or so between years.

Why are the seasons different in Australia?

Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are opposite to those in the north. Summer there runs from December to February, and winter from June to August.

Looking for a date to count down to? Browse holiday countdowns.