In a few weeks, winter will take over from a particularly mild autumn. But when does winter really start this year? What does the solstice mean? A handy little recap of the coldest time of year in our hemisphere!
It is the last season of the year, and the coldest too. Announced as in line with seasonal norms after a particularly mild autumn, winter 2022 will take its turn on the conventional date. What is the exact duration of the white season? What does the solstice mean and what are the characteristics of winter, which is marked by two fortnights of school holidays? Details.
What are the winter dates?
This year, winter starts on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. December 21 is the most common date, although in some years winter falls on December 22. the Sunday, March 20, 2023, three months later, winter will give way to spring. To note that December 21 is also the shortest day of the year. In addition, from December 22, the days will gradually lengthen until June 21.
What is the Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice is the longest night of the year. It occurs on the first day of winter, December 21. Of the 24 hours of the day, 16 will be immersed in the night and only 8 will be “sunny”. It is therefore also the shortest day of the year. In the dictionary, the word solstice has the following definition: “time of the year when the Sun, in its apparent movement on the ecliptic (Earth’s orbit around the Sun editor’s note)reaches its strongest boreal or southern declination and which corresponds to a maximum or minimum day length”in the case of the winter solstice.
What are the winter months?
The winter months correspond to the last days of December, the entire months of January and February and the first three weeks of March. In total, the winter season lasts three months.
What is the coldest winter month?
January is usually when the temperatures are lowest. Snow, frost, fog, freezing rain and storms can also point the tip of their nose. However, more generally, we speak ofmeteorological winter to evoke the coldest period of this season and it extends from 1er December to the last day of February.
What are the characteristics of winter?
When we think of winter, we think of the cold, the bare trees, the afternoons that feel like evenings… but winter also has its share of pretty things to offer. In general, it is one of the favorite seasons of the youngest because it is during this period that the children’s favorite party takes place. It is of course Christmas, which is celebrated on December 24th. The next morning, gifts await them at the foot of the tree left by the mysterious old gentleman with the beard. A week later, on the evening of December 31, it’s party time again to celebrate the new year. It is also in winter, on February 2, 2023, that we celebrate Candlemas by eating good pancakes. In terms of nature, the winter season also often offers beautiful days, when the sun comes out and warms everyone’s cheeks. When the conditions are right, snow can also fall in some places, something to delight young and old alike.
What to do with children in winter?
Winter also often rhymes with snow and mountains. With children, there are a whole host of possible activities to do at this time of year. Snowball fights, snowman building, sledding, skiing and even nature walks, some programs can easily warm up your winter days. And if you go skiing with the children?
What to eat in winter?
Winter recipes are in principle ideal for warming us up and allowing us to fill up on energy, especially for the youngest. Veloutés or soups, simmered dishes, balanced or simply gourmet dishes… Find all the best winter recipes, to enjoy by the fireside with your family!
Our health advice to face the winter
When are the winter holidays?
Here are the dates of the winter holidays according to your geographical area:
- Area A (Besançon, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Lyon, Poitiers): From saturday december 17 2022 to Monday January 2 2023 (inclusive).
- B-area (Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Caen, Lille, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Reims, Rennes, Rouen, Strasbourg): From saturday december 17 2022 to Monday January 2 2023 (inclusive).
- C-zone (Paris, Créteil, Versailles, Montpellier, Toulouse): From saturday december 17 2022 to Monday January 2 2023 (inclusive).