This marks the official end of astronomical winter.
For weather experts, seasons are grouped into three-month blocks based on the temperature cycle. This system makes it easier to compare year-over-year data.
Winter ends on the last day of February . Southern Hemisphere: Winter ends on the last day of August .
This is based on the Earth's position relative to the sun. It finishes at the vernal equinox , which in 2026 occurs on March 20 at approximately 2:46 PM PDT. At this exact moment, the sun passes directly over the equator, making day and night nearly equal in length. when winter finish
In the Southern Hemisphere, winter typically ends around the spring equinox as well, but in September: September 22nd or September 23rd.
Finish date is usually March 19, 20, or 21 .
Scientists and calendars use two distinct methods to determine when a season officially ends: This marks the official end of astronomical winter
In the Northern Hemisphere, winter finishes on (meteorological) or around March 20 or 21 (astronomical). In the Southern Hemisphere, winter ends on August 31 (meteorological) or around September 22 (astronomical). The Dual Endings of Winter: Science vs. Calendar
For most people's calendars, winter finishes on March 19-20 (astronomically) or February 28 (meteorologically). But if you live in a cold climate, keep your coat handy through April .
This is the traditional calendar definition, determined by the tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun. Winter ends on the last day of February
Keep in mind that these dates can vary slightly from year to year due to the Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun and the tilt of its axis.
Whether you are tracking the first bloom of a lilac or waiting for the official flip of the calendar, "when winter finishes" depends entirely on which definition you use. For most in the Northern Hemisphere, winter finishes on , during the spring equinox. The Two Ways Winter "Finishes"