It already feels like summer in Florida, but things have only started to heat up.
This month, most schools in Florida let out for summer break right after Memorial Day weekend, which most people in the U.S. consider the unofficial start of the season. And June brings both the meteorological and astronomical start of summer.
Here’s when summer 2026 officially starts, when school lets out in Florida and the difference between the meteorological and astronomical turn of the season.
When is the first day of summer?
It depends on what you consider the beginning of summer.
To start, there’s a difference between the astronomical and meteorological first day of summer. And a lot of people in the U.S. see Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial “start of summer,” while those with kids in school might base the turn of the season on when school lets out for summer break.
What day does summer start? Difference between meteorological and astronomical seasons
Astronomical seasons are marked by equinoxes and solstices, which relate to the position of the Earth. Meteorological seasons are based on annual temperature patterns and cycles, which is why each season has both an astronomical and meteorological first day.
“Astronomical seasons are based on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun, whereas meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle,” NOAA says.
“The Earth’s annual trip around the sun forms the basis for the astronomical calendar in which seasons are defined by two solstices and two equinoxes.”
According to Accuweather, meteorological summer is exactly three months long. It begins on June 1 and lasts through August 31 every year. This year, the meteorological start of the summer will land on Monday, June 1, 2026.
The astronomical start of summer – which is marked by the summer solstice each year – will fall a little later in the month, on Sunday, June 21.
When is Memorial Day 2026?
Memorial Day 2026 will fall on May 25.
Memorial Day is not tied to a fixed calendar date. It’s observed every year on the last Monday in May, ensuring a three-day weekend for federal employees. Many in the U.S. consider Memorial Day to mark the unofficial start of summer.
Memorial Day is often confused with Veterans’ Day, but they’re completely different. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and commemoration for military members who lost their lives in service, while Veterans’ Day honors all who served.
“The holiday was created to honor the many American men and women who died in military service,” The Farmers’ Almanac says. “This focus on those who made the ultimate sacrifice sets it apart from Veterans’ Day, which honors all military veterans, living and dead.”
When is the last day of school in Florida? See the full list by county
Here’s the complete list of the last day of school for every Florida county:
Special note: Links to school calendars often change. Here’s a state list of homepages for each Florida school district.
Lianna Norman and Cheryl McCloud are trending reporters for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering weather, lotteries, rocket launches, Florida wildlife, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: When does summer start? When Memorial Day is, school lets out in Florida
Reporting by Lianna Norman and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
