When Does Autumn Begin: Mapping Out the Fall Months

Alexis Jul 25, 2026
fall bucket list
fall bucket list

The season of autumn is a time of transition, marked by the changing colors of the leaves and the cooler temperatures that signal the approaching winter. While many people are familiar with the concept of autumn, they may not be aware of which month it falls in.

fall bucket list
fall bucket list

Autumn, also known as fall, is one of the four seasons that make up the year. It is a time of harvest, when crops are gathered in and the days grow shorter. The exact months that fall within the autumn season can vary depending on the hemisphere and the latitude of the location.

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Which Month Falls in Autumn?

In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn typically begins around September 22 or 23 and lasts until December 21 or 22. This means that the months of September, October, and November fall within the autumn season.

October reset checklist
October reset checklist

On the other hand, in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are reversed. Autumn begins around March 20 or 21 and ends around June 20 or 21. This means that the months of March, April, and May fall within the autumn season.

Why Does the Season of Autumn Vary?

a poster with words and pictures on it that say october, bucket list for fall
a poster with words and pictures on it that say october, bucket list for fall

The reason for the variation in the start and end dates of autumn is due to the Earth's tilt on its axis. The axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees, which means that the amount of sunlight that the Earth receives varies throughout the year. As a result, the seasons shift slightly depending on the latitude and hemisphere of a location.

For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth is tilted away from the sun during the winter months, resulting in shorter days and colder temperatures. In contrast, during the summer months, the Earth is tilted towards the sun, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures. The same principle applies to the Southern Hemisphere, but with a six-month delay due to the Earth's tilt.

What Are the Characteristics of Autumn?

September bucket list
September bucket list

Autumn is characterized by the changing colors of the leaves, as the trees prepare for the cold winter months by stopping their food-making processes. The leaves turn shades of orange, red, and yellow, creating a beautiful display of color that is a hallmark of the season. The air grows cooler, and the days grow shorter, with the sun setting earlier in the evening.

The weather during autumn can be quite varied, with some areas experiencing warm and sunny days, while others may experience cooler and rainier conditions. The season is also a time of harvest, when crops are gathered in and the days grow shorter.

Conclusion

Fall Bucket List
Fall Bucket List

Autumn is a beautiful season that brings a sense of change and transition. The months of September, October, and November in the Northern Hemisphere, and March, April, and May in the Southern Hemisphere, all fall within the autumn season. The characteristics of autumn include the changing colors of the leaves, the cooler temperatures, and the harvest season. Whether you enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves or the warmth of the autumn sun, this season has something to offer for everyone.

So, the next time you're wondering which month falls in autumn, you can simply refer to the seasons and the hemisphere you're in. And, who knows, you might just find yourself appreciating the beauty of autumn even more.

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two pictures with autumn leaves and an open book
two pictures with autumn leaves and an open book
which month falls in autumn
which month falls in autumn
a hand holding up a fall to do list
a hand holding up a fall to do list
an autumn poster with the words,'november bucket list'and other things to do
an autumn poster with the words,'november bucket list'and other things to do