When Does Winter Start in 2023? Here's What You Need to Know
Winter is a season with an acquired taste, we'll admit. But those who love it, truly do love it! And if you can get past the over-the-top frigid weather, you'll see there's actually so much to enjoy. There's a bunch of fun winter activities to keep you occupied. Plus, winter fashion isn't to be messed with! If you needed anymore convincing, just take it from Ree Drummond, who doesn't mind the season at all. That is, until she has to help Ladd take on the frozen ranch! 🥶 (If you haven't seen photos of the ranch in the winter, you'll definitely want to check it out.) But besides that, she loves herself some cozy fun!
Whichever side of the debate you're on, the winter season has just about arrived! After the excitement of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the busy holiday season leading up to Christmas, the official start to winter comes just a few weeks later: the winter solstice. Read on to figure out when the first day of winter will happen in 2023.
When is the first day of winter in 2023?
Mark your calendars, all you holiday-loving, stew-cooking, snow-shoveling people! The first day of winter is Thursday, December 21, 2023. The first day of winter occurs on the winter solstice, the astronomical first day of winter. This year, the solstice will be at 10:27 p.m. EST. The winter solstice marks two things. On one hand, it marks the shortest day of sunlight of the entire year. On the other, it marks the day where each following day will grow longer, meaning a little more sunlight! (Right up until the summer solstice.)
What is the winter solstice?
The December solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It all has to do with the way that the earth orbits the sun at an angle (it's tilted on its access by an angle of 23.5 degrees from vertical). The solstice occurs when the sun is at the southernmost point in our sky. If you pay attention to the daily path of the sun in winter, you'll notice that its arc occurs closer to the horizon. When we experience our winter solstice, the southern hemisphere experiences its summer solstice!
Does winter start on the same day every year?
Almost! The winter solstice is always on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. The variation is due to our calendar system as well as the earth's rotation at an angle.
What's the winter weather forecast this year?
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, it's supposed to be a "Winter Wonderland!" It really all depends on where you live, but overall, snowfall is expected to be above normal, with some regions even seeing colder temperatures compared to previous years. Guess that means you'll have to bring out your shovels and winter jackets this year!
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