What Months Are The Fall Fix [Premium • 2026]

The definition of fall (or autumn) depends on whether you are looking at the calendar through a scientific or a traditional lens. In the Northern Hemisphere, there are two main ways to mark the season: 1. Meteorological Fall (The Simple Way)

Typical months: Late September to late December
Start: The September equinox (September 21–24)
End: The December solstice (December 20–23)
Example (Northern Hemisphere): Fall 2026 runs from September 22 to December 21.
Note: The exact dates shift slightly each year due to leap years and Earth's orbit.

Is August a fall month?

No. August is the final month of summer (meteorological summer runs June, July, August). However, in very high latitudes or alpine regions, August nights may feel "autumnal." what months are the fall

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the official months of fall according to different systems, explain why there are two different start dates, and explore how the autumn season varies across the globe. The definition of fall (or autumn) depends on

Under this definition, fall lasts until the shortest day of the year in December, meaning "holiday season" is technically mostly autumn! The Meteorological Definition: September to November Typical months: Late September to late December Start:

Meteorological Fall: Consists of September, October, and November. It always begins on September 1 and ends on November 30.

1. Astronomical Fall (The Equinox Method)

Astronomical seasons are based on the Earth's position relative to the sun. Fall officially begins with the Autumnal Equinox (usually September 22 or 23) and ends with the Winter Solstice (usually December 21 or 22).

In everyday life, people often associate fall with specific sensory triggers rather than dates. In the U.S., it often "feels" like fall once the school year starts and Labor Day passes. In terms of nature, the "peak" of fall—marked by changing leaf colors and crisper air—typically hits in October.

September
October
November