Why Do We Have Seasons? What are the Four Seasons?
- spencer655
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Have you ever noticed how the weather changes throughout the year? We call those changes the seasons—and they happen because of the tilt of the Earth as it travels around the Sun.
Let’s explore what causes seasons, what each one is like, and how to remember them!
What Causes Seasons?
Seasons happen because:
The Earth is tilted about 23.5 degrees on its axis.
As it orbits the Sun, different parts of the planet get more or less sunlight at different times of the year.
When your part of Earth tilts toward the Sun → you get summer.
When it tilts away → it’s winter.
It’s not about being closer or farther from the Sun—it’s about how sunlight hits your part of Earth.
What Are the Four Seasons?
Let’s break down the four seasons and learn how to remember them.
Spring
March – May (Northern Hemisphere)
What happens:
Temperatures warm up
Flowers bloom and baby animals are born
More sunshine and longer days
Fun ways to remember:
Think “sprout” for spring—everything is growing!
Spring = Start of new life
Fun Facts:
Baby birds, rabbits, and deer are often born in spring.
Bees and butterflies return to pollinate flowers.
Some trees can grow new leaves in just a few weeks.
Summer
June – August
What happens:
Hottest weather of the year
Longest days, shortest nights
Time for vacations, swimming, and sunshine
Fun ways to remember:
Sun = Summer = heat
“School’s out” helps many kids remember summer is for fun
Fun Facts:
The longest day of the year is around June 21 (Summer Solstice).
Some deserts can reach over 120°F (49°C) during the day.
Watermelons and strawberries are in peak season!
Fall (Autumn)
September – November
What happens:
Days get cooler and shorter
Leaves change color and fall off trees
Animals gather food for winter
Fun ways to remember:
Leaves fall in fall
Fall = Final harvest
Fun Facts:
In places like Vermont, leaf-peeping is a tourist attraction.
Squirrels bury hundreds of nuts to prepare for winter.
The smell of autumn leaves is partly caused by leaf sugars breaking down.
Winter
December – February
What happens:
Coldest season of the year
Days are shortest, nights are longest
Some places get snow and ice
Fun ways to remember:
W = White = Winter (snow!)
Winter = Wrap up in coats
Fun Facts:
Some animals hibernate through the entire winter (like bears).
The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was −128.6°F in Antarctica.
Snowflakes are always six-sided and no two are exactly alike!
How Do You Explain Seasons to Kids?
“Imagine Earth as a tilted spinning top moving around the Sun. When your part faces the Sun, it’s warm. When it tilts away, it’s cold.”
Try this hands-on demo:
Use a flashlight as the Sun.
Tilt a globe or ball and spin it slowly in a circle.
Notice how different parts get more or less light—that’s how seasons work!
Do All Places Have Four Seasons?
Not everywhere!
Places near the equator (like Ecuador or Indonesia) stay warm all year.
They might only have wet and dry seasons.
Closer to the poles, like in Alaska or Antarctica, they have very extreme seasons—long months of sunlight or darkness!
Recap: Why Do We Have Seasons?
Season | Why It Happens | Memory Tip | Fun Feature |
Spring | Earth tilts toward Sun after winter | Sprouting life | Flowers bloom |
Summer | Maximum Sunlight | Sunny, School’s out | Longest days |
Fall | Earth starts tilting away | Leaves fall | Animals prepare |
Winter | Least sunlight | White = Winter | Coldest temps |
