Like it or not, winter is around the corner. But when does it actually start?
Some may say winter begins when we turn our heaters on, or when Starbucks’ winter cups return. Others point to the end of daylight saving time, when the days become shorter.
Luckily, astronomers and meteorologists give us some options. According to meteorologists, winter starts Dec. 1, but most people go by the astronomical calendar, which points to Dec. 21, the winter solstice, as the official start of the season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the start of winter.
When is the first day of winter 2025?
The astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s marked by the winter solstice and is also the shortest day of the year.
The meteorological start of winter is Dec. 1.
What’s the difference between astronomical and meteorological start dates?
The astronomical start date of a season is based on the position of the sun in relation to Earth. The meteorological start date, however, is based on our 12-month calendar and the annual temperature cycle, according to the Almanac.
When is the winter solstice 2025?
The winter solstice occurs on Dec. 21, 2025, at 10:03 a.m.
What is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice occurs each year on Dec. 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, and on June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the shortest day of the year, or the day with the fewest hours of sunlight.
When is the shortest day of the year in 2025?
The shortest day of the year coincides with the winter solstice, which is Sunday, Dec. 21.
When do the days start getting longer?
After the winter solstice, days begin to grow longer with more hours of sunlight until we reach the summer solstice. The summer solstice is the astronomical start of summer and the longest day of the year.
Contributing: Grace Tucker, The Cincinnati Enquirer.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When is winter 2025? Astronomers and meteorologists disagree on the start date
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
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