When the bright colors of fall disappear, the air begins to turn chilly. The first signs of winter are on their way. But when Is the first day of winter? There are two answers to this, based on the astronomical and meteorological definitions of winter. Let’s explore.
Astronomical Winter and the Winter Solstice
In terms of astronomy, the first day of winter falls on the winter solstice. This occasion happens annually on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, such as North America and Europe, and on June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia. The winter solstice is the day with the shortest amount of sunlight all year. Short days occur because of the way the Earth tilts.
As the Earth travels around the sun, it leans to one side. This tilt means that one-half of the Earth is further from the sun, leading to shorter days and the start of winter. On the winter solstice day, the sun is positioned at its lowest point in the sky at noon. It stays in the same spot for a few days. This is why it’s called a “solstice,” which comes from Latin words meaning “sun” and “standstill.”
People all over the world celebrate the winter solstice with special traditions. These often involve welcoming the return of the sun and looking forward to longer, warmer days. Even though the days start to get longer after the solstice, the coldest part of winter is usually still to come.
Meteorological Winter: A Different Way to Measure
Next up, let’s consider meteorological winter. Weather scientists, like meteorologists and climatologists, keep track of the seasons based on the average monthly temperature. This is helpful for things like farming and business. For them, the first day of winter always starts on December 1 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 1 in the Southern Hemisphere. This version of winter includes December, January, and February. The reason behind this centers around the coldest three months of the year, not the sun’s position.
The Start and End of the Season
So when does winter start? It depends on how you look at it. If you’re using the stars as your guide, the first day of winter begins on the winter solstice. However, If you’re thinking more about the weather, winter starts on December 1 or June 1, depending on where you are.
No matter when you decide winter starts, it’s a magical time of year. Many people love the way winter looks, the challenges it brings, and the feeling of a fresh start when the New Year arrives. The beginning of winter is more than just a date. It’s a change in our surroundings and our state of mind. It highlights the amazing cycles of nature that we get to experience.
As we put on our winter clothes and prepare for the solstice or notice the dropping temperatures that signal the start of meteorological winter, we are reminded of our deep connection to the world. We’re part of the rhythm of the days and seasons and the ongoing story of our planet.
The Last Day of Winter
Finally, when does winter end? Astronomical winter ends on the day of the vernal equinox, usually around March 20 or 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and September 22 or 23 in the Southern Hemisphere. This day marks the beginning of spring. Meteorological winter ends on February 28 or 29 (if it’s a leap year) in the Northern Hemisphere and August 31 in the Southern Hemisphere.