The moment the solstice arrives, winter begins—astronomically speaking.
However, the answer depends on how you define the seasons: when does autumn end
The timing of autumn is reversed in the (e.g., Australia, South Africa, and South America): When Do the Seasons Start and End in 2026? But until the solstice arrives—whether you mark it
Winter has its own beauty. But until the solstice arrives—whether you mark it on November 30 or December 21—go kick one more pile of leaves. Grab a last apple cider. Watch the sky turn gold at 5 PM. : Used by scientists for consistent record-keeping, this
: Used by scientists for consistent record-keeping, this definition groups months into sets of three. Autumn always ends on November 30 . Key Dates for 2026 Calendar Type Start Date (2026) End Date (2026) Astronomical September 22/23 December 20 Meteorological September 1 November 30 Global Variations
The answer isn’t as simple as a single date on the calendar. In fact, when autumn ends depends entirely on how you define “autumn.” Let’s break down the three most common answers.
This is based on biological signs and nature. Autumn ends when the majority of trees have lost their leaves and winter-dormant plants have shut down. This date varies significantly based on local climate and latitude.