Winter

Winter is a season that follows autumn and precedes spring. In temperate and polar climates, it is the coldest and darkest season of the year. It occurs when a hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, so Northern and Southern Hemisphere winters occur at opposite times. Winter precipitation may be rain or snow, depending on regional climate. Its solstice has the shortest day and longest night of the season's cycle.

Position in annual cycle

After autumn and before spring

Hemispheric pattern

Opposite summer in the other hemisphere

Winter solstice

Shortest day and longest night