What Is Winter?

Winter is the coldest season, coming between autumn and spring. It is associated with plunging temperatures and icy conditions, but the impact and timing of this season varies by location, as do the corresponding weather patterns. The season is known as a time of dormancy, when some plants die or go dormant and others cease growth until spring.

The onset of winter is usually celebrated with festivals and holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Day. These celebrations can help to brighten up a dreary and drab period and may also offer an escape from the cold. In addition, a growing body of research in psychology and related disciplines suggests that there are a number of psychological changes that occur during winter.

During the winter solstice, the point of shortest and longest daylight for that area occurs. This happens because of the tilt of Earth's axis, which causes some parts of the world to receive less sunlight than others. It also marks the beginning of the astrological year.

In the Northern Hemisphere, winter usually begins in late November or early December and ends in mid-March or April, while in the Southern Hemisphere it starts in June or July and ends in September or October. However, depending on seasonal lag and the weather in a given region, some meteorologists define a three-month period that they call "meteorological winter" as the start of the coldest average temperatures of the year.

Many people enjoy winter sports, including ice skating, skiing and snowboarding. Other popular winter activities include sledding and snowshoeing, as well as participating in community events, such as chili cook-offs and ice carving contests. Some people are concerned about the dangers of cold-weather sports, such as the risk of traumatic head injuries or the risks of hypothermia and frostbite.

For many people, winter can be a depressing season, with short days and low sun exposure leading to a loss of energy. It is also a common time to catch the dreaded "winter blues." The good news is that there are things you can do to fight back against the gloom and cheer up. Some of these include getting outside more often, taking part in physical activity and boosting vitamin D levels. Having positive social interactions can also help lift mood. In addition, it is important to make healthy food choices and to avoid overindulging.