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Fall: When It Starts and What the Season Means

Fall, or autumn, has two common start dates: the September equinox for astronomical fall and September 1 for meteorological fall in the Northern Hemisphere.
Opened Runtime2 min Written byDocumentaryTube Team
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Fall—also called autumn—marks the transition between summer and winter. There is no single start date: in the Northern Hemisphere, it begins either at the September equinox or on September 1, depending on whether you use the astronomical or meteorological definition. In 2026, the equinox occurs at 00:05 UTC on September 23, which is September 22 in some North American time zones.

When does fall begin?

It depends on the definition. Astronomical fall begins at the autumnal equinox, a precise moment when the center of the Sun crosses Earth’s equatorial plane. Meteorological fall uses fixed three-month calendar periods for seasonal climate records and comparisons.

Definition Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere
Astronomical Begins at the September equinox. In 2026, that instant is September 23 at 00:05 UTC; it falls on September 22 in some North American time zones. The National Weather Service’s Tucson page gives September 22 at 5:05 p.m. MST. Begins at the March equinox. The seasons are reversed relative to the Northern Hemisphere.
Meteorological September through November. March through May, following the reversed seasons.

The astronomical date shifts slightly on the civil calendar from year to year, and the local date can differ with time zone. The meteorological convention keeps the same calendar months each year. These are two ways to mark the season, not competing claims about one universally correct first day.

Why does fall happen?

Earth’s axial tilt, not a seasonal change in its distance from the Sun, produces the seasons. As Earth orbits the Sun, the tilt changes how directly sunlight reaches each hemisphere and how long its days are. The September equinox marks the transition into astronomical fall in the Northern Hemisphere; the March equinox marks it in the Southern Hemisphere.

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What changes during fall?

Fall is a transition season, but its visible signs depend on location and climate. In some places, leaves change color and harvest activity signals the shift; elsewhere, the seasonal change may look quite different. “Autumn” is another common name for the season, especially outside North America.

Climate figures need a place and period attached. The UK Met Office reports an average mean temperature of 9.71°C for autumn in the UK during the 1991–2020 climate-normal period. That is a historical UK average, not a global fall temperature or a forecast.

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What should you do with fallen leaves?

There is no need to remove every leaf from every yard. Mulching, composting, and collecting leaves are all options; the suitable choice depends on lawn condition, local conditions, equipment, and municipal collection rules. Reusing leaves as mulch or compost, or preparing them for community composting or disposal, can also help keep yard waste from washing into waterways.

Mulch leaves where the lawn can handle them

University of Minnesota Extension advises mulching regularly while the lawn remains visible. Its guidance is to begin bagging leaves for off-site composting when less than 50% of the lawn is visible. This is a lawn-care recommendation, not a universal threshold for every yard or climate.

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Compost or collect leaves when needed

EPA guidance includes composting, mulching, mowing over a limited layer of leaves, and raking and bagging leaves for pickup. Check local rules before placing leaves out for collection. If you collect them, a leaf rake is one option; mulching may reduce how much gathering is necessary.

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