How Many Days Until Winter 2026?
Our winter countdown timer shows exactly how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the first day of winter on Monday, December 21, 2026. The winter solstice marks the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere!
Winter Solstice 2026
The winter solstice 2026 takes place on Monday, December 21, 2026, at 3:50 PM Eastern time. At that moment the North Pole is tilted as far from the sun as it gets all year, which makes it the shortest day and the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the same moment is the summer solstice and the longest day.
Winter 2026 Dates
- Winter Solstice: Monday, December 21, 2026
- Shortest Day: The solstice has the least daylight of the year
- Winter Ends: Saturday, March 20, 2027 (Spring Equinox)
When Does Winter Start?
There are two common answers. Astronomical winter begins at the solstice on December 21 and runs until the spring equinox. Meteorological winter follows the calendar instead, running from December 1 to the end of February, which is why weather reports treat December 1 as the start of the season.
Signs of Winter
- Short days - Early sunsets and late sunrises
- Cold temperatures - Frosty mornings and icy air
- Snowfall - The first flakes in colder regions
- Bare trees - Branches stripped of their leaves
- Low sun - Long shadows, even at midday
- Quiet wildlife - Many animals migrate or hibernate
Winter Countdown Uses
- Ski trips - Plan your time on the slopes
- Home prep - Get heating and insulation ready
- Car care - Fit winter tires before the first frost
- Holiday planning - Line up the festive season
- Classroom activities - Teach the seasons with a live countdown
- Solstice gatherings - Mark the longest night with friends
Winter Celebrations
People have marked the winter solstice for thousands of years. Yule, Dongzhi in East Asia, and Yalda Night in Iran all fall around the longest night, and the sunrise at Newgrange in Ireland lines up with the solstice. The season also brings Christmas and the New Year.
