There is a third, less scientific way to define fall: Phenology, or the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events. Nature does not check the calendar; it follows the weather.
Astronomical seasons are defined by the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the sun. The season begins with the autumnal equinox and ends with the winter solstice.
Astronomical fall begins around September 21 to 23 and ends at the winter solstice around December 21 to 22 .
Trees stop producing green chlorophyll, revealing underlying carotenoid and anthocyanin pigments. what months are the fall
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding exactly what months make up the fall season. Meteorological vs. Astronomical Fall
The shift from summer warmth to crisp, cooler air.
This is the definition most people are taught in school. It is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the Sun. Because the exact timing of the equinox shifts slightly each year, the dates of astronomical fall vary. There is a third, less scientific way to
If you live in Australia, New Zealand, South America, or southern Africa, your autumn happens during the first half of the calendar year. March, April, May. Start date: March 1st. End date: May 31st.
If you need a quick, general answer for the Northern Hemisphere (which includes North America, Europe, and most of Asia),
No, December is never considered a fall month in either hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, December is the start of winter (astronomical winter begins around December 21, meteorological winter on December 1). In the Southern Hemisphere, December is early summer. The season begins with the autumnal equinox and
For most people in the Northern Hemisphere, fall is defined by the . This is the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night approximately equal in length. Start Date: Typically September 22 or 23.
The transition into the "Ber" months (September through December) marks the shift to layers, boots, and heavier fabrics.
Meteorologists divide the year into four equal three-month periods based on annual temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar. This consistency makes it easier to track climate statistics over time.