See chart below to see the exact dates and times for the first day of each season in 2013—namely, the summer solstice, fall or autumnal equinox, winter solstice, and spring or vernal equinox.
Why do the seasons change? The four seasons are determined by shifting sunlight (not heat!)—which is determined by how our planet orbits the Sun and the tilt of its axis.
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The first day of summer—the summer solstice—is the longest day of the year, the Sun reaches its most northern point in the sky at local noon. After this date, the days start getting shorter. See our First Day of Summer page!
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On the first day of fall—the autumnal equinox—day and night are each about 12 hours long (with the actual time of equal day and night, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring a few days after the autumnal equinox). The Sun crosses the celestial equator going southward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west. See our First Day of Fall page!
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The start of winter—the winter solstice—is the shortest day of the year, when the Sun reaches its most southern point in the sky at local noon. After this date, the days start getting longer. See our First Day of Winter page!
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On the first day of spring—the vernal equinox—day and night are each approximately 12 hours long (with the actual time of equal day and night, in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring a few days before the vernal equinox). The Sun crosses the celestial equator going northward; it rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west. See our First Day of Spring page!

Credit: NASASeasons of 2013: SPRING EQUINOX March 20, 7:02 A.M. EDT SUMMER SOLSTICE June 21, 1:04 A.M. EDT FALL EQUINOX September 22, 4:44 P.M. EDT WINTER SOLSTICE December 21, 12:11 P.M. EST Seasons of 2014: SPRING EQUINOX March 20, 12:57 P.M. EDT SUMMER SOLSTICE June 21, 6:51 A.M. EDT FALL EQUINOX September 22, 10:29 P.M. EDT WINTER SOLSTICE December 21, 6:03 P.M. EST -








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Comments
By Anonymous Al
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Thanks Heidi!
By Harry Cohoon
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After reading this I, of course understand the time zones, but it seems the season change may be at the same time all over the US? or does it come one hour after the previous time zone? In example Spring at 0700 EDT is also at 0700 CST?
By neilyogi
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A good question. Perhaps some Australians can help
By neilyogi
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It would appear that the Solstice occurs this year on both the 21st and the 22nd -- depending on your time zone -- am I wrong?
By shand
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Happy Autumnal Equinox 2011. After Spring, Fall is my fave time of year. Love the smell of the fresh air as the temps change.
Love the Almanac ,too. From the time I was about 13 my Mom always made sure Santa put a copy of the Almanac in my Xmas stocking. Always something interesting to learn. Since my parents have moved on to the 'next realm' I make sure to get myself an Almanac for Xmas every year. It gets picked up by everyone that stops by over the holidays.
By marycorns
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I always look at the almanac to help me figure out when I'm going to plant my vegetable garden each year. It is something that my grandmother taught me to do to get the most out of the gardening season. I've even planted my vegetables in pots before the season starts so that I can transplant them outside and get a head start.
By ColoRay
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The Almanac sits near our couch and is viewed often and by many... Thanks So Much
By Kimberley
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I love the Almanac, too. It is full of interesting and very important information. Thanks, Kimberley
By Reade Linam
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There is so much to learn from studying the past. Washington is no match for Mother Nature.
By drewjpeterson
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I love the Almanac
By Dwight Doggett
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What would we do without it?
I for one would be lost
By kylee
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when does the northern hemisphere have spring? Some years it will be on a different day or years.;
By Deremiah CPE
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My Mother used to get these same exact Almanac's back in the day...it's sooo beautiful making this connection. KEEP READING this stuff...I love you...by Deremiah *CPE
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