When Is Autumn Here

The arrival of autumn is one of the most anticipated transitions of the year. It is a season romanticized in poetry and art for its golden light, crisp air, and the melancholic beauty of decay. Yet, if one were to ask, "When is autumn?" the answer is surprisingly complex. There is rarely a single

. This is the exact moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night nearly equal in length. Northern Hemisphere (2026): Tuesday, September 22, at 8:04 P.M. EDT. Southern Hemisphere (2026): Friday, March 20, at 14:46 UTC. Why it moves: Because the Earth’s orbit isn't a perfect circle and takes roughly 365.25 days, the equinox date can shift between September 21, 22, or 23 from year to year. 2. The Meteorological Answer: By the Calendar If you prefer a tidier schedule, you’re likely on "Team Meteorological." Meteorologists and climatologists divide the year into four equal three-month periods to make record-keeping and data comparison easier. Northern Hemisphere: September 1 to November 30. Southern Hemisphere: March 1 to May 31. The logic: This system aligns better with "calendar months" and captures the three-month transition period when temperatures typically drop before the deep cold of winter. 10 sites The difference between meteorological and astronomical ... Feb 19, 2025 — when is autumn

Because the Earth takes roughly 365.25 days to orbit the sun, the specific timing shifts slightly every year. From this point forward, the days continue to shorten and the nights lengthen until the winter solstice. 2. Meteorological Autumn (The Calendar approach) The arrival of autumn is one of the

For the rest of us, it’s simply the cue to swap sandals for boots and enjoy the brief, crisp window before winter sets in. There is rarely a single

Decreasing daylight triggers deciduous trees to stop producing chlorophyll, revealing the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.

Autumn is characterized by: