Automne

Automne, or autumn, is one of the four temperate seasons, occurring between summer and winter. In French, the term automne corresponds to the English autumn. The word derives from Latin autumnus, via Old French automne.

Definitions and timing: In the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological autumn runs from September 1 to November 30, while astronomical autumn begins with the autumnal equinox (around September 22 or 23) and ends at the winter solstice (around December 21 or 22). In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite: meteorological autumn from March 1 to May 31, astronomical autumn roughly from the March equinox to the June solstice.

Climate and ecology: Autumn is typically characterized by cooling temperatures and decreasing daylight. Deciduous trees shed leaves in preparation for winter, resulting in color changes to reds, oranges, and yellows in many regions. Rainfall patterns vary by locale; some areas experience higher precipitation in autumn, others are relatively dry. Many birds and other species prepare for migration or hibernation, and fruit ripening continues before winter.

Cultural aspects: In many cultures, autumn marks the harvest season, with festivals and celebrations such as Halloween and Thanksgiving in North America, and similar harvest observances elsewhere. The period is also a common motif in literature and the arts, symbolizing change and aging. The season is associated with phenomena such as the harvest moon in some places.

Tropics: In tropical regions, autumn is not a distinct season as temperature remains warm year-round; instead seasonal changes are driven by rainfall or drought patterns rather than temperature.