When Does Summer End In 2022? - The Pioneer Woman

Just as you eagerly put away your heavy winter gear in exchange for breezy sundresses when the weather gets warmer, there comes a chilly moment when you step outside and think, "Wow, it's finally fall!" As fun as all those family beach vacations and summer cookouts are, there's just something special about the prospect of slipping on your coziest sweater at the end of the season.

While many see Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer and Labor Day weekend as its grand finale, there’s an official date that marks the beginning of the season and another that signifies its end. These aren’t just random dates; they’re linked to a fascinating seasonal phenomenon that influences how long days are.

Just keep reading to learn the facts! So, you'll know when to expect the first day of fall.

When does summer start and end in 2024?

In North America, summer officially begins on Thursday, June 20. It’s the longest day of the year and follows Father's Day and Juneteenth, which fall earlier in the same week. Given that, it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate for all seven days! Summer wraps up exactly three months later on Sunday, September 22.

What determines the last day of summer?

Over in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, it may feel like the end of summer when the weather starts to get a bit damper and evenings begin to cool off. While this seems like a good marker of seasons, the reason for summer's official dates is a bit more interesting. The last day of summer is determined by the September or autumn equinox, which marks the first day of fall.

The astrological equinox is when the sun passes over the equator in a southward direction. At the moment of the equinox, the sun shines directly on the equator, and both hemispheres receive the same amount of rays. Once the moment passes, the North Pole begins to tilt away from the sun, and thus begins the period of longer nights and shorter days. (This is similar to how the first day of spring is determined.) This year, the autumnal equinox takes place on Sunday, September 22, at exactly 8:43 AM EST.

Is it the same day every year?

Nope! The twice-yearly equinox would occur on the same day every year if the Earth followed the Gregorian calendar and took exactly 365 days to make a complete revolution around the sun. However, the Earth doesn't exactly abide by our man-made markers of time, and it takes 365 days and six hours on average to go around the sun. That's why we have a Leap Day every four years, and it's also why the summer solstice (and autumnal equinox) is bumped a day or two depending on the year.

So in 2024, you'll have 94 days to celebrate the summer season. Now, roll up your sleeves and get grilling before time runs out!

Ideas to Celebrate The End of Summer

• Make Waves With These Fun Pool Party Ideas
• Labor Day Desserts for the End of Summer
• Fun Outdoor Games to Play on the Next Sunny Day

Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.