| Region | Typical Onset | Characteristics | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Early February | Very short spring; rapid transition to summer heat by May. | | Southwest (e.g., Arizona, Texas) | Late February – March | Brief, pleasant period before intense summer heat (April can already be hot). | | Northeast & Midwest (e.g., New York, Chicago) | Late March – April | Delayed spring; snow possible in March; “mud season”; peak bloom in May. | | Pacific Northwest (e.g., Seattle) | Late February – March | Extended, mild spring; rain persists; famous cherry blossoms in March. | | High Country (e.g., Colorado, Wyoming) | May | Very short spring; March and April are still winter with snowstorms. |

While March–May are the official months, the actual arrival of spring weather varies dramatically by region:

In the United States, the spring months are defined by two primary metrics: astronomical seasons (based on Earth’s position relative to the sun) and meteorological seasons (based on annual temperature cycles). The widely accepted answer is March, April, and May . However, regional climate variations mean the experience of spring differs significantly across the country.

Defining the Spring Season in the United States

For official, business, and most practical purposes in the USA, . However, residents in warmer states may perceive spring as ending in April, while those in colder or mountainous regions may not feel spring-like conditions until May.