If you’ve ever asked, — you’re not alone. The answer depends on whether you’re going by the calendar or the weather.
The definition of (or autumn) depends on whether you are looking at the calendar through a scientific or a traditional lens. In the Northern Hemisphere, there are two main ways to mark the season: 1. Meteorological Fall (The Simple Way)
The word "equinox" comes from Latin, meaning "equal night." On the autumnal equinox, the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of daylight and darkness (roughly 12 hours each) across the globe. After this point in the Northern Hemisphere, nights become longer than days until the winter solstice.
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding exactly what months make up the fall season. Meteorological vs. Astronomical Fall what months are the fall
If you ask a meteorologist "what months are the fall," they will confidently answer:
is a distinctly American term that originated in the 16th century. It's a shortened form of "fall of the leaf" or "falling of the leaves," referring to the deciduous trees shedding their foliage. The term became popular in North America and remains the standard term in the United States and Canada (though "autumn" is also understood).
If you need a quick, general answer for the Northern Hemisphere (which includes North America, Europe, and most of Asia), If you’ve ever asked, — you’re not alone
While meteorological definitions match the rest of Europe, older Celtic calendars traditionally mark August 1 ( Lughnasadh ) as the official beginning of the harvest season. Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
| Definition | Fall Months | | :--- | :--- | | | September, October, November | | Astronomical | Late September – Late December (exact dates vary) |
Fall in Australia is March, April, and May (meteorological). Astronomical fall runs from the March equinox (around March 20-21) to the June solstice (around June 21). April is usually the peak month for autumn colors in places like the Blue Mountains and Tasmania. In the Northern Hemisphere, there are two main
Before diving into the details, here's the short answer:
Before we go further, you might wonder about the terminology itself. The season has two common names in English:
Back-to-school routines begin, and harvest festivals kick off. October: Peak Fall
If you live in the Southern Hemisphere (South America, southern Africa, Australia, and Antarctica), the fall months are: