You may notice that the winter solstice is not always on the exact same day (e.g., it might be Dec 21 one year and Dec 22 the next). This is because the Earth's orbit around the sun takes approximately 365.25 days. Because our calendar is 365 days, we accumulate a quarter-day of "extra" time every year, causing the solstice to shift slightly until a Leap Year (Feb 29) realigns the calendar.
If you live south of the equator, everything is flipped: winter begins in what month
, but the exact date depends on whether you use the calendar for science or for the stars. Florida Center for Instructional Technology +1 1. Two Ways to Define Winter There are two main systems used to determine the start of winter: 13 sites Winter - the coldest season - Met Office Meteorological winter. The season's start is always on 1 December and it ends on the last day of February (28th or 29th in a leap ... Met Office December: Winter Begins | FCIT December: Winter Begins. On what date in December does winter begin? Well, that depends on whom you ask. In the Northern Hemispher... Florida Center for Instructional Technology When Does Winter Start? - American Red Cross Dec 3, 2025 — You may notice that the winter solstice is
The start of winter is reversed between the two halves of the globe due to the Earth's axial tilt. Hemisphere Meteorological Start Astronomical Start (Solstice) December 1 December 21 or 22 Southern Hemisphere June 1 June 20 or 21 Astronomical vs. Meteorological Winter If you live south of the equator, everything
Everyone living in the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia, Africa).
This feature provides a comprehensive overview of when winter begins, including specific dates, regional variations, and cultural definitions.