Summer is about to leave us for good. This year, the autumn equinox will fall on Monday, September 22 at 8:19 p.m. (Italian time). From that moment, the season will officially change: in the Northern Hemisphere, where we live, we will bid farewell to summer and welcome autumn, while in the Southern Hemisphere spring will begin.
What happens during the equinox? As the Earth travels around the Sun, it maintains a constant tilt of about 23 degrees. Depending on its position along the orbit, the Sun’s rays shine more directly on either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. Twice a year, however— in March and September— the Sun reaches a special position: its rays strike perpendicular to the Earth’s axis, illuminating both hemispheres equally. This is what we call the equinox (from the Latin aequus nox, “equal night”), because day and night are almost the same length all over the planet.
The date of the equinox is not always the same: it shifts between September 22 and 23 due to the difference between the solar year (365 days) and the sidereal year (about 365 days and 6 hours). Leap years help keep this alignment, but the exact day may vary. This year, as mentioned, it will occur on September 22 at 8:19 p.m.
How is autumn defined? There isn’t just one way to mark its beginning:
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Astronomically, it begins with the equinox and ends with the winter solstice.
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Meteorologically, it coincides with the months of September, October, and November, based on temperature averages.
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Phenologically, it is marked by nature’s signs: leaves turning red and gold, the first bird migrations, the ripening of autumn fruits.
In Veneto, and especially in the Euganean Hills, the arrival of autumn has a special charm. The volcanic hills light up with warm colors, vineyards and chestnut groves prepare for harvest, and the woods fill with the earthy scents of mushrooms and fallen leaves. It is a transitional season that invites us to slow down, observe the changing landscape, and be embraced by a nature that grows quieter yet no less alive.
Autumn is also a time when body and mind seek balance. It is no coincidence that for centuries people have found relief in our thermal waters. During seasonal changes, treating yourself to moments of spa and thermal care at AbanoRitz can help face the transition with renewed energy, supporting both physical and mental well-being.
