Quick Reference: Winter Solstice 2026 Winter Solstice 2026: Monday, December 21, 2026 at 10:50 a.m. EST (15:50 UTC) What it marks: The shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere; the official first day of astronomical winter Where the Sun lands: Directly overhead at noon along the Tropic of Capricorn, 23.5

Winter's over? Sort of. We explain why meteorologists have already moved on to the spring season and how it differs from our calendar.

Where in the U.S. can you take in some breathtaking leaf-peeping? Check out these 6 fall foliage destinations. Did your favorite make the list?

The following list provides the probable dates for peak fall color: States Dates Alabama: Oct. 19-Nov. 4 Arizona: Oct. 5-21 Arkansas: Oct. 19-Nov. 4; (Ozarks) Oct. 12-28 California: Oct. 15-31 Colorado: Oct. 5-14 Connecticut: Oct. 12-28 Delaware: Oct. 19-Nov. 4 Florida: Nov. 2-11 Georgia: Oct. 19-Nov. 4 Idaho: Oct. 5-21 Illinois: (Northern) Oct. 5-21; (Southern)

The Sun starts staying up later this week. Learn more!

Here's a list of the exact dates and times for the first days of winter, spring, summer, and fall through 2035!