The seasons change on specific moments called (spring/autumn) and solstices (summer/winter). These dates vary slightly each year due to Earth's orbit around the sun.

Would you like the dates for the Southern Hemisphere or the meteorological seasons as well?

| Season | Start Event | Typical Date Range | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Vernal Equinox | March 19 – 21 | | Summer | Summer Solstice | June 20 – 22 | | Autumn (Fall) | Autumnal Equinox | September 21 – 24 | | Winter | Winter Solstice | December 20 – 23 |

The are determined by two primary methods: the astronomical calendar, based on Earth's position relative to the sun (equinoxes and solstices), and the meteorological calendar, which follows the annual temperature cycle . In the Northern Hemisphere for 2026, Astronomical Spring begins on March 20 , followed by Summer on June 21 , Autumn on September 22 , and Winter on December 21 . Seasonal Start Dates (Northern Hemisphere)

The astronomical dates are essential for navigation, astronomy, and cultural celebrations. Many cultural festivals, such as Midsummer, harvest festivals, and the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), are directly tied to the equinoxes and solstices.

| Season | Meteorological Start (Fixed) | Astronomical Start (Approx.) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | March 1 | March 20 | | Summer | June 1 | June 21 | | Autumn | September 1 | September 22 | | Winter | December 1 | December 21 |

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: Products like their Medjool gift packs are praised for maintaining energy-boosting freshness.

: The dates are noted for having a soft, chewy texture that isn't overly soggy.

While astronomical seasons are determined by the position of the Earth relative to the Sun, meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle and the civil calendar. This system was developed to simplify the statistical calculation of weather data, as the "thermal lag" (the delay between maximum sunlight and maximum temperature) means the hottest days often occur weeks after the summer solstice.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the seasons are defined as follows:

It is important to note that the four-season model is not universal.

The dates of the four seasons are a human construct imposed upon a planetary phenomenon. Whether determined by the precise tilt of the Earth's axis (astronomical) or the statistical consistency of temperature cycles (meteorological), these dates serve as a critical framework for organizing human activity, agriculture, and scientific inquiry. Understanding the distinction between these two systems allows for more accurate communication regarding weather, climate, and timekeeping.