When is Winter?

What is Winter?

Winter, one of the four seasons, is part of a larger natural rhythm, typically characterized by its unique beauty-cold temperatures, shorter days, and increased darkness.

During winter, daytime temperatures are usually cold, while nighttime temperatures can be very cold. Winter has the shortest days of the year, with the least amount of daylight hours. The sun is at its lowest point in the sky, resulting in longer nights and shorter days.

When does Winter begin?

Let's explore the predictability of this season, a comforting rhythm in the ever-changing world.

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere typically begins around:

• December 21st or 22nd (winter solstice): This marks the official start of winter when the days are the shortest, and the sun is at its lowest point in the sky.

In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins around:

• June 20th or 21st (winter solstice): This marks the official start of winter when the days are the shortest, and the sun is at its lowest point in the sky.

When does Winter ends?

In the Northern Hemisphere, winter typically ends around:

• March 20th or 21st (vernal equinox): This marks the official end of winter when the duration of day and night are almost equal, a phenomenon known as the vernal equinox.

In the Southern Hemisphere, winter ends around:

• September 22nd or 23rd (vernal equinox): This marks the official end of winter when day and night are approximately equal in length.

Note that the exact dates of winter can differ slightly from year to year because the Earth's orbit around the sun is slightly eccentric, and its axis is tilted.

When is the Winter Solstice?

How many days is Winter time?

The duration of winter varies depending on the hemisphere and the specific location. Winter in the Northern Hemisphere lasts approximately 89.0 days, while in the Southern Hemisphere it lasts close to 93.6 days.

What is Meteorological Winter?

Meteorological winter is a concept that transcends borders. It refers to the period defined by meteorologists and climatologists as December, January, and February in the Northern Hemisphere. Similarly, meteorological winter stands for June, July, and August in the Southern Hemisphere. It is essential to know that the meteorological seasons are determined by dividing the year into four parts of three months each, making us all part of a global community.

This definition of meteorological winter is not arbitrary. It is based on the average temperature and precipitation patterns in each hemisphere, providing a scientific basis for our understanding of the seasons, rather than the astronomical definition of winter, which is based on the position of the Earth in its rotation around the sun.

From a meteorological point of view, winter begins on December 1 and ends on February 28 (or 29 during a leap year).

When do the seasons start?

Related: What is the first day of each season?