Winter Countdown 2026

What is the Winter Countdown?

The Winter Countdown shows you exactly how much longer it is until the winter season begins in the Northern Hemisphere. It updates continuously, and you can use it as often as you like. As soon as you open the page, the countdown shows how long it is until winter, down to the second, so you always know exactly how long it is until autumn ends and winter begins.

When does winter begin?

In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins on the winter solstice. This is the shortest day of the year (the day with the fewest hours of daylight). The date of the solstice is not the same from year to year. It is usually December 21, but depending on the year and your time zone it can fall on December 20 or December 22. The solstice is a single moment, so this winter solstice countdown runs to that exact minute, shown under the countdown in your local time.

How long does winter last?

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere lasts about 89 days, from the December solstice to the March equinox. It is the shortest season of the year. Earth is closest to the sun in early January and moves fastest in its orbit then, so it takes the least time to pass from the solstice to the equinox. Winter is almost five days shorter than summer.

Common Winter Countdown questions

When does this countdown end?

At the exact moment of the December solstice, from the times published by the US Naval Observatory. The date and time under the countdown show that moment in your own time zone.

Is this countdown for the Southern Hemisphere too?

No. South of the equator the seasons are reversed, so the December solstice is the first day of summer there, and winter begins at the June solstice.

Why does winter not start on December 1 here?

December 1 is the start of meteorological winter, which weather services use because it splits the year into whole months. This countdown uses the astronomical start of winter, the solstice.

Does the countdown keep running if I switch tabs?

Yes. The page reads the current time on each tick, and an inactive tab catches up the moment you return.