When does winter start in 2025? Here's why some say it began Monday

Icicles hang down from a vehicle during winter storm in Jan. 2025. The storm occurred in spite on a weak La Nina event, which normally results in warmer and drier weather across Texas.
Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

It’s officially winter — according to meteorologists, that is.

Even Texas is feeling the seasonal shift, as weekend storms brought gusty winds and cooler temperatures to the Austin area. The cool air and north winds are expected to accompany lingering rain showers on Monday and Tuesday. Regardless of whatever Austin weather is doing, the shift out of daylight saving time and the release of holiday menus also indicate winter is upon us.

But is it technically winter, or does winter begin with the winter solstice? Let’s clear up some of the confusion about the season’s “start” date.

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When does winter start in 2025? Date of winter solstice

Astronomical winter will begin on Sunday, Dec. 21, which is also the winter solstice.

The winter solstice varies by year, between Dec. 20 and Dec. 23. It marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, when the North Pole is tilted the farthest away from the sun in Earth’s orbit. In 2025, the farthest point will be reached at 9:03 a.m. CT on Dec. 21.

After the winter solstice, the days will gradually lengthen again.

We’re in for roughly three months of winter in the Northern Hemisphere before it ends on March 20, 2026.

The Capitol's south steps are covered in half a foot of rare snow after an overnight winter storm blew into Central Texas in February 2021.
Bob Daemmrich/CapitolPressPhoto

Why does the weather person say it’s winter? Meteorologists have different dates for seasons

It’s true! If you ask an astronomer and a meteorologist when the first day of winter is, you’ll get two different answers.

Astronomical seasons, which you’re likely more familiar with, are measured by Earth’s position in relation to the sun. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains meteorological seasons, on the other hand, are based on the annual temperature cycle. Both versions still have four seasons lasting roughly three months each.

Season	Astronomical dates 2025	Meteorological dates 2025
Spring	March 20 — June 19	March 1 — May 31
Summer	June 20 — September 21	June 1 — August 31
Fall	September 22 — December 20	September 1 — November 30
Winter	December 21 — March 19, 2026	December 1 — February 28, 2026