

The winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice, occurs when either of Earth's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. Twice a year (once in the northern hemisphere, once in the southern hemisphere, six months apart) Midwinter the Shortest Day the Longest NightĪstronomically marks the beginning of lengthening days and shortening nightsįestivals, spending time with loved ones, feasting, singing, dancing, fires

Read more about the history and meaning of the winter months: Northern winter monthsĭecember | January | February | March Southern winter months South of the equator, it starts in June and ends in September. In the Northern Hemisphere, astronomical and meteorological winter runs from December to March. Winter festivals: Christmas, Juul, and Saturnalia Winter Months The start of winter and the winter solstice are celebrated in cultures and religions around the world with various traditions, holidays, and festivals. This is because it takes time for Earth to warm up, an effect known as seasonal lag. © Longer Days, but Falling TemperaturesĪlthough daylight hours increase during the winter months, temperatures continue to fall in most regions. Places within the polar circles experience polar night during all or part of the winter season when the Sun does not rise at all.Įarliest sunset is not on the shortest dayĮarth's orientation at the December solstice In Toronto, the shortest day is just under 8 hours and 56 minutes long in Miami, roughly 2000 kilometers or 1200 miles farther south, it lasts about 10 hours and 32 minutes. Locations closer to the poles experience larger differences in day length throughout the year, so winter days are shorter there. This means days get longer during winter-very slowly at first, but at ever-larger daily intervals as the March equinox approaches, heralding the start of spring. Meteorological and other seasons definitions Days Get Longer During WinterĪstronomical winter begins at the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. And, in some countries, the beginning of the seasons is determined by average temperatures rather than fixed dates or astronomical events.

Meteorologists use a different method of defining the first day of winter.
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Solstices and equinoxes in your city Alternative Winter Start Dates Local times for this solstice worldwide.Sun rise/set and day length around this solstice.This corresponds to Wednesday, 21 June 2023, 14:57 UTC. In Odesa, Odessa, Ukraine: Wednesday, 21 June 2023, 17:57 EEST (Change location) Winter Solstice, Southern Hemisphere (June)Īustralia, New Zealand, South America, southern Africa Business Date to Date (exclude holidays).
