When Does Summer Start? When Does Summer End?

☀️ When does summer start? When does summer end? The answer may surprise you, as there are a couple of ways to define the boundaries of summer. 🏖️ #Summer #SummerFacts #SummerFun

MAPLE GROVE, MN – Summer, the hottest and most eagerly anticipated season of the year (especially for us Minnesotans), brings with it longer days, warmer temperatures, and a host of outdoor activities. But when exactly does this beloved season commence and conclude? The answer may surprise you, as there are a couple of ways to define the boundaries of summer.

This year, summer officially starts on Thursday, June 20, 2024 and ends on Sunday, September 22nd 2024.

🌡️ The Meteorological Perspective

Meteorologists, who study weather patterns and climate, have a straightforward approach to determining the start and end of summer. They split the year into four equal seasons based on temperature trends, with each season lasting three months.

For the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological summer begins on June 1st and ends on August 31st. This definition is useful for comparing seasonal weather data from year to year.

🌎 Astronomical Summer: Following the Sun

Astronomers, on the other hand, base their definition of summer on the Earth’s position relative to the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, astronomical summer starts on the day of the June solstice, which usually falls between June 20th and June 22nd.

The season concludes on the September equinox, typically occurring between September 21st and September 24th. The exact dates and times can vary slightly each year.

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😎 Cultural Interpretations of Summer

In the United States, summer is often associated with cultural events and holidays. Many Americans consider Memorial Day weekend (the last Monday in May) to be the unofficial start of summer, with Labor Day weekend (the first Monday in September) marking its end. This interpretation loosely aligns with the meteorological definition of the season.

🗓️ Looking Ahead: Summer Dates in the Coming Years

For those who like to plan, here are the anticipated dates for astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere for the next few years:

Summer 2025: June 21, 2025 – September 22, 2025
Summer 2026: June 21, 2026 – September 23, 2026
Summer 2027: June 21, 2027 – September 23, 2027
Summer 2028: June 20, 2028 – September 22, 2028
Summer 2029: June 21, 2029 – September 22, 2029

Regardless of the definition one chooses to follow, summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and making memories. So, whether you consider summer to begin on June 1st or with the solstice, make the most of this warm and vibrant season!