lateautumn

Late autumn is the final phase of autumn, occurring after the mid-point of the season and preceding winter. In the Northern Hemisphere, it generally encompasses November and early December in many temperate regions, while in the Southern Hemisphere it occurs in May and early June. The exact boundaries vary by climate and culture.

Environmental conditions in late autumn are marked by cooling temperatures, shorter days, and increased variability in weather. Frost can occur during nights; daytime temperatures may hover above freezing or dip below in some areas. Rain and wind are common; snowfall begins in higher latitudes or elevations.

Ecology: deciduous trees have largely dropped leaves or are near leaf drop; color becomes browner as pigments break down. Wildlife behavior includes preparation for winter: mammals increasing food stores, birds migrating or caching, hibernation onset in some species. Field crops are harvested; agricultural tasks include preparing soil, planting cover crops.

Cultural aspects: late autumn harbors holidays and festivals such as Halloween and Thanksgiving in parts of the Northern Hemisphere; in many cultures it is associated with harvest, remembrance, or transition to winter. In literature or art, late autumn often conveys mood of decline, quiet, and introspection.

Regional variation and climate change: the onset and duration of late autumn vary widely by latitude, altitude, and local climate. Global warming influences timings of leaf fall, migration, and first snow, leading to shifts in ecological and agricultural calendars.