Facts about the Seasons (Explained!)

The seasons are the different times of the year when the weather is usually different. There are four seasons:

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter

In Spring, the temperature warms up, and flowers begin to blossom. People frequently go outside to enjoy the sunshine.

In Summer, the weather is quite hot, with plenty of sunshine. People frequently visit the beach or pool to cool down.

In Fall, the temperature cools down, and the leaves on the trees change color. People regularly go on nature walks to appreciate the brilliant foliage and incredible beauty.

In Winter, the temperature is extremely cold, and it frequently snows. People often go sledding or make snowmen.

Each season has unique qualities and activities. We have seasons because the Earth tilts on its axis as it circles the sun. As a result, the amount of sunlight and temperature vary throughout the year.

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Season Facts for kids

There are four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Each season lasts about three months.
The seasons are caused by the Earth’s tilt on its axis.
The amount of sunlight the Earth receives changes during the seasons.
The weather is different during each season.
Some animals change their behavior during the seasons.

What are seasons?

Imagine that the Earth is a ball. The Earth spins, or turns, on its own axis, which is an imaginary line that runs through the middle of the Earth from the North Pole to the South Pole. The Earth’s axis is tilted, or leaned, at an angle of about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is what causes the seasons.

During the year, the Earth’s position in relation to the sun changes because of the tilt of its axis. When the North Pole is tilted toward the sun, it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

When the North Pole is tilted away from the sun, it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The same is true for the Southern Hemisphere, but with the seasons reversed.

So, the Earth’s tilt on its axis causes the seasons by changing the amount of sunlight the different parts of the Earth receive during the year.

	Northern Hemisphere	Southern Hemisphere
Winter	December, January, February	June, July, August
Spring	March, April, May	September, October, November
Summer	June, July, August	December, January, February
Fail	September, October, November	March, April, May

The Four Seasons

Spring

Spring is typically a time of warmer weather, longer days, and more sunlight.
In the Northern Hemisphere, spring usually starts around March 20th and lasts until June 20th. In the Southern Hemisphere, spring starts around September 20th and lasts until December 20th.
The word “spring” comes from the Old English word “springan,” which means “to jump or burst forth.”
During spring, plants and trees start to grow and flowers start to bloom.
Many animals have their babies during spring, including birds, rabbits, and deer.
Some people celebrate holidays and festivals in the spring, such as Easter, Passover, and Hanukkah.
Spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings. People often clean and organize their homes and yards in the spring.
The spring equinox, which occurs around March 20th, is the day when the amount of daylight and darkness is almost equal. This is also the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
The first day of spring is also called the vernal equinox, which comes from the Latin words “ver,” meaning “spring,” and “nal,” meaning “equinox.”

Summer

Summer is typically a time of warmer weather, longer days, and more sunlight.
In the Northern Hemisphere, summer usually starts around June 20th and lasts until September 20th. In the Southern Hemisphere, summer starts around December 20th and lasts until March 20th.
The word “summer” comes from the Old English word “sumor,” which means “the season of growth.”
During summer, plants and trees are in full bloom, and fruits and vegetables are ripe for harvest.
Many animals are more active during the summer, including birds, insects, and amphibians.
Some people celebrate holidays and festivals in the summer, such as Independence Day in the United States and Canada Day in Canada.
Summer is a popular time for people to go on vacation and enjoy outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, and camping.
The summer solstice, which occurs around June 20th, is the longest day of the year. This is also the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
The first day of summer is also called the summer solstice, which comes from the Latin words “sol,” meaning “sun,” and “sistere,” meaning “to stand still.” This is because on this day, the sun appears to stand still in the sky before it starts to move southward again.

Fail

Fall is typically a time of cooler weather, shorter days, and changing colors in nature.
In the Northern Hemisphere, fall usually starts around September 20th and lasts until December 20th. In the Southern Hemisphere, fall starts around March 20th and lasts until June 20th.
The word “fall” comes from the Old English word “feallan,” which means “to fall or to die.” This is because in the fall, leaves fall from the trees and plants die back for the winter.
During fall, the leaves on deciduous trees change color and fall to the ground. This is caused by a decrease in the amount of chlorophyll, the green pigment that helps plants make food, in the leaves.
Many animals start to prepare for the winter in the fall, such as squirrels collecting and storing food and birds migrating to warmer climates.
Some people celebrate holidays and festivals in the fall, such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Fall is a time of harvest, when many crops are ready to be picked and collected.
The fall equinox, which occurs around September 22nd, is the day when the amount of daylight and darkness is almost equal. This is also the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere.
The first day of fall is also called the autumnal equinox, which comes from the Latin words “autumnus,” meaning “autumn,” and “aequus,” meaning “equal.” This is because on this day, the amount of daylight and darkness is almost equal.

Winter

Winter is typically a time of colder weather, shorter days, and snow in many parts of the world.
In the Northern Hemisphere, winter usually starts around December 20th and lasts until March 20th.
In the Southern Hemisphere, winter starts around June 20th and lasts until September 20th.
The word “winter” comes from the Old English word “winter,” which means “time of water” or “wet season.” This is because in many parts of the world, the weather is wetter and there is more precipitation in the winter.
During winter, many plants and trees go into dormancy, and some animals, such as bears and squirrels, hibernate to conserve energy and stay warm.
Some people celebrate holidays and festivals in the winter, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve.
Winter is a time for indoor activities, such as reading, crafting, and watching movies. It is also a popular time for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding.
The winter solstice, which occurs around December 21st, is the shortest day of the year. This is also the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
The first day of winter is also called the winter solstice, which comes from the Latin words “sol,” meaning “sun,” and “sistere,” meaning “to stand still.” This is because, on this day, the sun appears to stand still in the sky before it starts to move northward again.

What animals do During the different seasons

Winter

migrate to warmer climates
huddle together for warmth
grow thicker fur

Spring

mate and give birth to young
begin to forage for food more actively

Summer

forage for food more actively
store up reserves for the winter

Autumn

prepare for the winter by storing up food and resources
migrate to warmer climates (if applicable)
begin to grow thicker fur (if applicable)

Fun activities to enjoy during each season

Winter

build a snowman or have a snowball fight
go ice skating or sledding
make hot cocoa or other warm drinks
curl up with a good book or watch a movie
go on a winter hike or snowshoeing adventure

Spring

go on a nature walk and look for signs of spring
plant flowers or start a garden
go for a bike ride or run
have a picnic or barbecue
go to a baseball game or other outdoor event

Summer

go to the beach or swimming
have a water balloon fight or water gun battle
go camping or have a bonfire
have a picnic or barbecue
go to an amusement park or other outdoor attraction

Autumn

go apple picking or pumpkin picking
go on a nature walk and look for colorful leaves
have a picnic or barbecue
go to a football game or other outdoor event
carve a pumpkin or make fall-themed crafts