Winter in 2026 (in the Northern Hemisphere, including the U.S. and most of Europe) ends on March 20, 2026, with the spring equinox.

Astronomical winter 2025–2026

Astronomical winter is defined by the solstices and equinoxes. For 2025–2026 in the Northern Hemisphere, winter starts on December 21, 2025 and ends on March 20, 2026, the moment of the spring (March) equinox. This is the date most calendars and season trackers list as the official end of winter.

Meteorological winter 2025–2026

Meteorological winter is based on full calendar months and typical temperature patterns. In the Northern Hemisphere, it runs from December 1 to February 28 (or 29 in a leap year). For the 2025–2026 season, meteorological winter ends on February 28, 2026, even though astronomical winter continues until March 20.

Quick regional note

These dates apply to the Northern Hemisphere; in places like Australia or southern South America, “winter 2026” refers to roughly June–August 2026. Weather on the ground may feel “wintery” earlier or later than these official dates, which is why people on forums often joke that winter seems to “never end.”