The United States experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall (autumn), and winter. These seasons dictate not just the weather but also influence the ecosystem and the amount of daylight we receive throughout the year. Understanding these cycles helps us appreciate the changing beauty of nature and plan our activities accordingly.
A vibrant collage showcasing the four seasons in a countryside landscape, divided by dynamic zigzagging white lines, symbolizing the transition and distinct characteristics of each season
Understanding the Start Dates of Each Season in 2025
In 2025, the astronomical start dates for each season are as follows. Please note that these are based on astronomical calculations and may vary slightly each year.
- Spring: Begins on March 20, 2025, at 11:06 PM Eastern Time (ET) and continues until June 20, 2025, at 4:51 PM ET. This season lasts for approximately 93 days.
- Summer: Commences on June 20, 2025, at 4:51 PM ET and extends until September 22, 2025, at 8:44 AM ET, also spanning about 93 days.
- Autumn (Fall): Starts on September 22, 2025, at 8:44 AM ET and lasts until December 21, 2025, at 4:21 AM ET, another period of roughly 93 days.
- Winter: Begins on December 21, 2025, at 4:21 AM ET and concludes on March 20, 2026, at 5:01 AM ET, completing the cycle with approximately 93 days.
These times are given in Eastern Time and will adjust depending on your specific time zone within the United States. While the exact dates can shift by a day or two annually, the sequence and duration of the seasons remain consistent. The earliest start for spring can occur on March 19th, a rare event last seen in 2020 and before that in 1896.
To simplify season discussions and avoid minor date variations, many people refer to meteorological seasons, which are defined by whole months.
Meteorological Seasons: A Calendar Based Approach
Meteorological seasons offer a more straightforward way to think about the seasons, as they are based on the calendar months and align more closely with typical temperature patterns.
- Spring months: March, April, May
- Summer months: June, July, August
- Fall months: September, October, November
- Winter months: December, January, February
Because the United States is located in the Northern Hemisphere, we experience warmer temperatures from spring through summer and colder temperatures during fall and winter. However, the climate across the US is incredibly diverse, leading to regional variations in seasonal weather.
For example, states like California, Florida, Arizona, and Texas generally enjoy warm weather throughout the year. In contrast, Alaska is the coldest state, with Juneau experiencing average high temperatures of 48°F (8.89°C) and lows of 36°F (2.22°C). Most other regions, including New York, New England, Washington, and the Midwest, experience more pronounced seasonal changes.
A Closer Look at Each Season
Spring: The Season of Rebirth
Spring, astronomically defined as starting around March 20th or 21st and lasting until June 20th or 21st, is a time of renewal. Meteorologically, spring begins on March 1st. Spring follows winter and precedes summer, bringing with it gradually warming temperatures and increasingly longer days. This is the season when plants awaken from their winter dormancy, blossoming and bringing vibrant colors back to the landscape in anticipation of the growing season. Spring is often associated with feelings of freshness and new beginnings as life returns to the world around us.
Summer: The Warmest Time of Year
Summer extends from approximately June 20th or 21st to September 22nd or 23rd, nestled between spring and fall. It is characterized by being the warmest season, with temperatures reaching their peak and daylight hours exceeding nighttime hours. Across the United States, summer weather varies significantly. Some areas experience warm and humid conditions, while others are marked by intense heat and dryness. Summer is a popular time for outdoor activities, vacations, and enjoying the long, sunny days. The summer solstice marks the astronomical start of summer and the longest day of the year.
Fall (Autumn): A Season of Transition
Fall, also known as autumn, begins around September 22nd or 23rd and concludes around December 21st or 22nd. This season is a period of transition as temperatures begin to cool down, and daylight hours decrease. Fall is renowned for the spectacular transformation of deciduous trees, as their leaves change color, displaying brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow before falling. This seasonal change is particularly dramatic in many parts of the United States, creating breathtaking landscapes. Fall is also harvest season in many agricultural regions and is often associated with cozy indoor activities as the weather turns cooler. The autumnal equinox signals the astronomical start of fall.
Winter: The Coldest Season
Winter spans from approximately December 21st or 22nd to March 20th or 21st, positioned between fall and spring. It is the coldest season, with temperatures dropping significantly, and nights becoming longer than days. Many northern states experience snowfall throughout the winter months, creating snowy landscapes. Winter is a time when nature is often dormant, and animals adapt to the cold conditions. Despite the cold, winter landscapes can be strikingly beautiful, and winter sports become popular in many areas. The winter solstice marks the astronomical beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year.
The Science Behind the Seasons
A common misconception is that summer is hotter because the Earth is closer to the sun during this time, and winter is colder because we are further away. This is incorrect. The seasons are actually caused by the Earth’s axial tilt.
The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. As the Earth revolves around the sun throughout the year, this tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive more direct sunlight at different times. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, it experiences summer due to receiving more direct and intense sunlight for longer periods. Conversely, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, it receives less direct sunlight, resulting in winter, fall, and cooler temperatures. This tilt is the primary reason for the cycle of seasons we experience each year.
