Autumn: when does it start and what are its characteristics

What is autumn?

Autumn is one of the four seasons of the year and represents the transition between summer and winter. Therefore, it has characteristics that are similar to summer and winter.

In Brazil, it starts in March 20th or 21st and ends on June 20th or 21st.

Autumn is also known as the harvest period, because it is the time when leaves and fruits begin to fall.

This is due to the survival strategy of plants. By losing the leaves, they can save energy and protect themselves from the coming winter.

When does autumn start?

The autumnal equinox is responsible for the beginning of the season. During this period, the Earth is fully illuminated by the sun's rays between the Northern and Southern hemispheres. This situation results in days and nights of equal duration.

The position of the hemispheres in relation to the Sun determines the seasons of the year

As with the other seasons, the start date is different in the Northern and Southern hemispheres:

• South hemisphere: also called "austral autumn", starts between 20th or 21st of March and ends between 20th or 21st of June.
• North hemisphere: also called "boreal autumn", starts between the 22nd or 23rd of September and ends between the 21st or 22nd of December.

Understand more about the Autumn Equinox.

Autumn Characteristics

• Days become shorter and shorter compared to nights;
• Temperatures are mild;
• Leaves and fruits of some species of trees fall off;
• There are sudden changes in temperature;
• The relative humidity of the air drops;
• Decrease in rainy periods;
• Increased occurrence of wind and fog.

Autumn in Brazil

In Brazil, changes in temperature and relative humidity occur due to its location between the Tropic of Capricorn zone to the south and the Equator to the north.

This also means that the Brazilian autumn is not felt in all regions of the country.

typical autumn landscape

The main characteristics of autumn are seen in the Southeast, Midwest and South regions.

In mountainous regions and in southern Brazil, temperatures drop sharply, and it is even possible to snow.

Want to know more? See also the other seasons of the year:

• Summer
• Spring
• Winter
• Seasons