Which Months Are Considered Fall?
Fall, also known as autumn, is a beautiful season marked by changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and the harvest. But exactly which months constitute fall depends on your location and how you define the season. There's no single universally agreed-upon answer, as different calendars and cultures have slightly varying interpretations.
What are the typical months of fall in the Northern Hemisphere?
In the Northern Hemisphere, fall generally encompasses the months of September, October, and November. This aligns with the astronomical definition of autumn, which begins with the autumnal equinox (around September 22 or 23) and ends with the winter solstice (around December 21 or 22). However, meteorological definitions often use a slightly different framework.
What about the meteorological definition of fall?
Meteorologists often prefer to use a calendar-based system for easier data analysis and comparison. This system divides the year into four three-month seasons, regardless of astronomical events. Under this system, fall in the Northern Hemisphere is September, October, and November.
What months are considered fall in the Southern Hemisphere?
The seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, fall there typically occurs during the months of March, April, and May. Again, both astronomical and meteorological definitions largely agree on this period.
Why is there variation in defining Fall?
The discrepancies arise primarily from the difference between astronomical and meteorological definitions. Astronomical seasons are based on the Earth's tilt and its position relative to the sun, while meteorological seasons are based on consistent three-month periods for easier record-keeping and data analysis.
When does fall officially begin astronomically?
The astronomical beginning of fall is marked by the autumnal equinox. This is the day when the Earth's axis is neither tilted toward nor away from the sun, resulting in roughly equal amounts of daylight and darkness. The exact date varies slightly each year but generally falls around September 22nd or 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere and March 22nd or 23rd in the Southern Hemisphere.
When does fall end astronomically?
Astronomically, fall ends with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere (around December 21st or 22nd) and the shortest day in the Southern Hemisphere (around June 21st or 22nd).
So, which months should I consider fall?
Ultimately, the "correct" months for fall depend on the context. For most practical purposes, especially in everyday conversation, September, October, and November in the Northern Hemisphere and March, April, and May in the Southern Hemisphere are widely accepted as the months of fall. However, being aware of the different definitions can help you understand why you might see slight variations in how the season is described.
