| JOIN ME |
If you ask a weather forecaster or a climatologist "what months are the fall," you will get a cleaner, more consistent answer. The system was created for practical data keeping. Since weather records are kept by month, splitting seasons into neat, three-month blocks makes it much easier to compare climate data from year to year.
Astronomical seasons are based on the Earth's position relative to the sun. Fall officially begins with the (usually September 22 or 23) and ends with the Winter Solstice (usually December 21 or 22).
Because Earth's orbit isn't perfectly synchronized with our calendar, the exact dates shift slightly each year. This means astronomical fall varies in length from about 89 to 93 days.
For scientists, meteorologists, and weather forecasters, fall is defined by the temperature cycle and the Gregorian calendar. This definition is fixed, meaning the dates do not change from year to year. what months are the fall
To better understand how the season progresses, here is what typically happens during each of the core fall months in the Northern Hemisphere.
"Leaf peeping" (traveling to see fall foliage) is a multi-billion dollar industry. The peak colors change depending on latitude:
September acts as the bridge between summer and autumn. Early September often brings "Indian summer" weather—lingering heat waves that make it feel like July. However, by the end of the month, daylight hours visibly shorten, evening temperatures drop, and early-turning trees (like maples) begin to show hints of yellow and orange. October: Peak Autumn If you ask a weather forecaster or a
According to this definition:
It is a common misconception that fall happens at the same time everywhere on Earth. Because the Earth is tilted on its axis, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience opposite seasons. When the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, the Southern Hemisphere tilts toward it.
To help narrow down exactly how this season impacts you, could you share a few more details? Let me know: Your or region If you are planning a travel trip to see fall colors If you need specific foliage peak prediction dates Share public link Astronomical seasons are based on the Earth's position
Under this definition, fall can last longer or shorter than three months depending on the specific climate of a region. In the Arctic, "fall" might only last a few weeks as summer instantly transitions into winter. In tropical regions near the equator, there is essentially no fall at all; the seasons are usually divided between "wet" and "dry" rather than spring, summer, fall, and winter.
The "fall" months shift entirely depending on where you are on the globe: Hemisphere Fall Months (Meteorological) Fall Months (Astronomical) (e.g., USA, UK, China) September, October, November Sept 22 – Dec 21 Southern (e.g., Australia, Brazil) March, April, May March 21 – June 22 3. Why It's Called "Fall" vs. "Autumn"
The green chlorophyll breaks down, revealing the yellow and orange pigments (carotenoids) that were hiding there all along. The deep reds and purples come from glucose trapped in the leaves as the nights get colder. Summary: When is Fall? September 22 – December 21. If you go by the weather: September 1 – November 30. If you live "Down Under": March 1 – May 31.