What are the four seasons?
The four seasons are spring, summer, autumn (fall), and winter. They are different parts of the year when the weather, daylight, and nature change in recognizable patterns.
What causes the seasons?
- Tilt of the Earth: The Earth's axis is tilted about 23.5°. This tilt means different parts of the Earth get varying amounts of sunlight during the year.
- Orbit around the Sun: As the Earth travels around the Sun over the year, our tilt causes different hemispheres to receive more or less sunlight at different times.
- Daylight changes: Longer days in spring and summer give more sunlight, while shorter days in autumn and winter reduce the heat.
What happens in each season?
- Spring: Weather warms up, many plants begin to grow, and days become longer. Birds return, and flowers start to bloom.
- Summer: Warmest season with long days. Often sunny, sometimes hot, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Autumn (Fall): Temperature cools, leaves change color and fall from trees. Days get shorter.
- Winter: Coolest season with shorter days. In many places, it’s cold and may have snow; plants go dormant.
How the seasons affect nature and daily life
- Plants grow or go dormant according to light and temperature.
- Animals adapt their behavior, migration, and food sources.
- People plan holidays, clothing, and activities based on the season.
Quick facts
- Seasons are opposite in the northern and southern hemispheres. When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, it is winter in the southern hemisphere.
- The calendar dates for seasons can vary by country and climate zones.