How is it decided when the seasons start?

Answer 1

Good question! I had to do some research on this.

In countries such as the UK, Denmark, Ireland and Australia the seasons are simply decided according to the Roman calendar, with the seasons decided by the hottest / coldest quarters of the year and beginning on the first of the month.
So Autumn - March 1st
Winter - June 1st
Spring - September 1st
Summer December 1st
and reverse for the opposite hemisphere.

For countries such as the United States, the seasons are determined Astrologically - and begin at the solstice and equinoxes. So spring begins when the days hit equal length then get longer, autumn when they hit equal length then get shorter etc.
Thus spring - March 19 - 22 - the spring equinox
Summer - 19 - 23 June - the summer solstice
Autumn - 21 - 24 Sept - the autumn equinox
Winter 20 - 23 Dec - the winter solstice
and vice versa for the opposite hemispheres.

I find it interesting that different countries decide things differently, but I like the Australian way - it is easy to remember!

Answer 2

In Australia the seasons are
Summer = Dec - Feb
Autumn = Mar - May
Winter = Jun - Aug
Spring = Sep - Nov
All months inclusive...

This is the way it was taught to me in primary school and the logic around it is that Dec-Feb is typically the hottest part of the year usually reaching 40 deg celsius and June - August is the coldest and wettest part of the year temperatures can be as low at 13 deg max. Spring and Autumn are the transition months where you can still get the occasional 40 deg day but temperatures are usually within the 25 - 35 deg maximum.
I live in Perth so this is my experience from there. Melbourne is famous for having four seasons in one day so obviously their answer would differ slightly.

Answer 3

It depends where you live.
I read once that Australia tried to wait until the equinox to declare summer but it was too hard for the soldiers to wear their winter uniforms as it warmed up so quickly after August ended.
But I can't name my sources so don't quote me on that!
Personally I think the seasons lag a month behind and have done so for a while.
Maybe we should change it and say Jan - March summer, April - June autmn etc etc!

Have a good day!

Answer 4

In Australia, it is the 1st of March, June, September and December.

Easy to remember because we are retarded slobs who drink excessively and can't drive cars.

Answer 5

Her name is Mother Nature!
Believe me
I'm from Canada!
She is the only one that truly has a handle on it!
Everyone else is totaly wrong!

Answer 6

it is determined for summer, when the longest day of the year is, and for winter, when the shortest day of the year is, and for fall and spring, its when daylight and darkness is equal.