The UK has experienced a summer to remember, with it being the first one in two years that was completely rid of Covid restrictions.
Sadly, it ended with the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, cementing this season in UK history for generations.
There have been sweltering heatwaves and crippling droughts, festivals and ceremonies, but now it is coming to an end.
Autumn is about to arrive, coming with falling temperatures and shorter nights.
The Met Office determines the end of summer by the astronomical calendar, but when will it officially end?
When is the official end of summer?
According to the astronomical calendar, the summer began on June 21 in 2022 and it will end on Friday, September 23.
The astronomical calendar is based on the position of the Sun in relations to the Earth and is used to chart the changing seasons due to the planet’s tilt.
The Met Office explain: “The astronomical calendar determines the seasons due to the 23.5 degrees of tilt of the Earth’s rotational axis in relation to its orbit around the Sun.”
The autumnal equinox will signal the official end of summer and start of autumn. This will occur at exactly 2.04am on September 23. At this point the sun illuminates the northern and southern hemisphere equally, known as an equinox.
In turn, the autumn will end on December 21 in 2022, hailing the winter months with it.
Does summer end on the same date every year?
No, the days summer officially starts and ends can vary from year to year, due to the fact there are technically 365.25 days in a year on average.
This minor difference of 365 and 366 can lead to variables throughout the year, with seasonal dates being one of the most notable.
In 2023, the summer will start and end on the same dates as this year, June 21 and September 23, respectively.
However, in 2024, it will start on June 20 and end on September 22.
How quickly will it get dark?
As of September 20, the Sun sets over the UK at around 7pm.
It will continue to set two minutes earlier each day across the coming season.
The clocks are also due to go back on October 30, which will give people an extra hour of light in the morning and evening.
