What and When Is the Midpoint of Winter?
The midpoint of winter 2026 is Tuesday, February 3. Midpoint of winter signifies the exact halfway-point between winter solstice winter solstice and spring equinox. This date aligns with Groundhog Day in some years, but not always.
Winter is the shortest of the four seasons (88.99 days). During this time, the Earth is at its closest point in orbit to the Sun (perihelion). When objects are closer to the Sun they move faster—a fundamental law of gravity.
Conversely, the Earth is farthest from the Sun in early July, so the Earth orbits more slowly. This is why summer is the longest season (93 days).
Top 10 Reasons To Wish Winter Away
- The birds and squirrels have had a big appetite this season and birdseed supply is getting low.
- Your muscles ache and you’re covered in bruises from all those “headers” on the ice.
- You can’t even recognize your own car in the parking lot from all the road salt and dirt covering it.
- You have sweaty feet from wearing boots all the time.
- The days are getting longer!
- Cold and flu season. Enough said.
- Green (grass) is a much happier color.
- The ability (and desire) to go outside without 27 layers of clothing.
- The smell of spring flowers, the sound of birds, and the return of leaves.
- Fishing, and gardening.
What’s your reason to wish winter away? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Here’s a list of the exact dates and times of the seasons.
I love winter. No mosquitoes, knats or snakes. No weeds to pull. No grass cut.
I like winter if we have snow. We had very little this year. I love the change, I believe its needed. Winter chases away the insects for a little while. It gives the plants and trees a chance to rest and rejuvenate in spring.
I miss seeing the sun.
So, I can take my Bud…my almost 3 year old Grandson out walking again!
It’s also the 2/3 mark. Meteorological Soring begins on March 1 (Summer on June 1, Autumn on 9/1; and Winter on 12:/1). The Astronomical definition based on equinox is only one way to define the seasons. Meteorological definitions make more sense to me.
The main reason I live in south Texas
is my loathing of winter.
Depression
Oh boy, sounds neat!!! What part of the country do you live in?
Oh, this was for Gina! What part of the Country do you live in with all these friendly animal friends?
I love interacting with my neighborhood stray cats, silly raccoons looking like burglars, catching loose dogs, and my deer scaring the crap outta me all spring, summer, and fall. (They literally come to my glass door and stare at me when I get up in the night.) Wintertime needs to beat it cuz my animal friends are less social and active. I miss them
I hate the winter for every reason there is to hate the winter…who likes getting up extra early to let the car warm up and to scrape off 2 tons off ice, doors and windows froze shut, slipping and sliding on icy roads? I can do without it. Can’t go for a jog. Don’t see how anyone likes that.
Hi Steven, we hear you. But nothing is more wonderful than a walk through the woods on a quiet, sunny, snowy day. Or cross country skiing through the fields of the local farm. When life gives you winter, you look for ways to make it enjoyable!
How about a walk through the woods on a quiet, sunny, warm day in the early summer when everything is glorious and green. Or strolling through the fields of a local farm, the golden sun shining through the tall wheat, the smells of the soil, fresh air, blossoming fruit trees …
Yes, that too! I appreciate all my seasons that nature provides. There is beauty in all of it.
BUGS
Me too I have a thin body and get chilled very easily. Very hard to get through the winter.
In the old days, you should have half of your hay and half of your firewood left on Groundhog Day. Close enough.