Spring Definition Season < Windows >

Spring: The Season of Renewal

Definition

Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, falling between winter and summer. Astronomically, it begins on the vernal equinox (around March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere and September 22 in the Southern Hemisphere) and ends on the summer solstice (around June 21 or December 21, respectively). Meteorologically, spring is defined as the three-month transition period characterized by progressively rising temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the resumption of biological activity in plants and animals after winter dormancy.

Spring is universally a time for festivals that celebrate renewal and new beginnings: spring definition season

Meteorologists and climatologists use a different definition to make it easier to track weather statistics. They define seasons based on the annual temperature cycle and the Gregorian calendar. Spring: The Season of Renewal Definition Spring is

• High latitudes: Short spring with rapid transitions; snowmelt drives rivers and lake-level changes.
• Mid-latitudes: Pronounced spring with distinct flowering and growing season onset.
• Tropics/subtropics: Less distinct astronomical seasons; wet/dry cycles or monsoons often structure the year instead of a classic spring.
• Southern vs. Northern Hemisphere: Seasons are opposite—when it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere (March–May), the Southern Hemisphere experiences autumn (March–May there).

Causes & Astronomical Basis

• Astronomical spring: Defined by Earth's position relative to the Sun. In the Northern Hemisphere it begins at the vernal equinox (≈ March 20–21) and ends at the summer solstice (≈ June 20–21); in the Southern Hemisphere it runs approximately September–December.
• Meteorological spring: Uses fixed months for easier statistics—March–May in the Northern Hemisphere, September–November in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Climatic variability: Local climate, altitude, ocean currents, and continentality shift the onset and character of spring.

• Astronomical spring: Begins at the vernal equinox (around March 20–21 in the Northern Hemisphere; around September 22–23 in the Southern Hemisphere) when the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving northward, and ends at the summer solstice.
• Meteorological spring: Defined for practical climatology as the three-month block of March–May in the Northern Hemisphere (September–November in the Southern Hemisphere), based on monthly temperature cycles.

Biological Activity: Trees sprout new leaves, flowers begin to bloom, and many animals begin their breeding seasons. Causes & Astronomical Basis