The annual calendar is conventionally divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter. This division is based on cyclical changes in weather patterns, daylight hours, and ecological conditions. The specific months associated with each season are largely determined by the Earth’s tilt relative to the sun and its orbit. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, the period with the longest daylight hours and warmest temperatures is generally assigned to summer.
Understanding the seasonal calendar is crucial for a variety of applications. Agriculture relies heavily on knowing when to plant and harvest crops based on seasonal weather patterns. Tourism industries plan their activities around peak seasons. Furthermore, understanding the correlation between specific months and weather conditions is beneficial for health-related planning, such as preparing for allergy season or anticipating winter weather hazards. Historically, seasonal awareness was paramount for survival, dictating hunting, gathering, and agricultural practices.
The following sections detail the typical monthly composition of each season in the Northern Hemisphere. While these demarcations are widely accepted, it’s important to note that regional variations and gradual climatic shifts can influence the actual onset and duration of each season.
