Winter solstice 2025: When winter starts and what it means for Austin

Icicles hang off the State Highway 195 sign on Feb. 18, 2021 in Killeen, Texas.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

It’s officially winter — and, as of Sunday morning, both meteorologists and astronomers agree. But while we tend to associate the changing of the seasons with certain weather patterns, Austinites know that’s not always the case. In fact, the likelihood of a white Christmas is relatively low across the U.S.

But regardless of whatever Austin weather is doing, the shift out of daylight saving time, the release of holiday menus, and the dreaded return of winter vomiting disease all indicate winter is upon us. Here’s what to know about the season and why it has two “start” dates.

Texas faces a near-record warm, dry Christmas: How will the rest of the country fare?

When does winter start in 2025? Date of winter solstice, longest night of the year 2025

Astronomical winter began 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.

When does winter end?

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

What winter actually looks like in Austin

Winter may officially arrive with the solstice, but in Central Texas it rarely comes with snow or freezing temperatures.

In Austin, average daytime highs in late December typically hover in the low 60s, according to American-Statesman meteorologist Mary Wasson. This year, temperatures are expected to climb into the middle to upper 70s around the holiday period, with mornings starting near 60 degrees and cloudy skies giving way to afternoon sun.

If the forecast holds, this stretch could rank among the warmest late-December periods in Austin’s history. The hottest Christmas Day on record reached 90 degrees in 1955, and highs have reached 80 degrees several times since — most recently in 2016. As recently as 2021, temperatures reached 79 degrees on Dec. 25.

That would stand out compared with recent winters, when late-December highs reached 60 degrees in 2024, 57 degrees in 2023 and 54 degrees in 2022.

Why astronomers, 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

Norovirus is another sign winter has arrived

Creative layout featuring 3D renderings of norovirus virus-like particles (VLPs), generated from electron microscopy, and a transmission electron micrograph of norovirus particles in the background
NIH-NIAID/Image Point FR/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A type of norovirus commonly referred to as “winter vomiting disease” began spreading earlier than usual this season, prompting words of caution from health officials ahead of the holiday season.

Although December’s reported outbreaks dipped back to below average after an unusual spike in late October, it’s important to know the signs of the virus and how to prevent its spread — especially during the holidays.

Symptoms typically include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps, and most people recover within a few days.

The CDC recommends washing your hands frequently with soap and water — alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against the virus. Norovirus can live on surfaces for weeks or months, so it’s important to disinfect high-touch surfaces. Stay home to avoid infecting others, and stay vigilant: The virus can still be contagious up to two weeks after symptoms end.

Norovirus can’t be treated with antiviral medication, but staying hydrated can help you recover more quickly.