Why does weather change from season to season?
Each season brings different types of weather. Why does this happen and how does it affect the world around us?
In this article you can learn:
- Why the seasons change
- What kinds of weather we get with each season
- How the seasons affect animals and plants
This resource is suitable for weather topics for primary school learners.
Video - Why does weather change from season to season?
Watch this video to learn why the weather changes with the seasons.
Spring. Summer. Autumn. Winter. Each season brings different kinds of weather that affect our lives and the world around us.
The seasons are caused by the way the Earth is tilted. The parts of the Earth tilted towards the sun get more of the sun's heat and light. The parts of the world, which are tilted away, get less of the sun’s heat and light.
The Earth takes a full year to go around the sun. As it does, places that are tilted towards the sun change.
During summer, the northern half of the Earth, including the UK is tilted towards the sun. The Earth’s tilt in summer means that our days are longer and so the sun is in the sky for more hours. The ground and air are heated, so the temperature is higher, and it feels warmer.
So we can play outside more. And more light means that plants can grow.
In autumn the UK begins to tilt away from the sun. With less sunlight, the temperature starts to drop and the days get shorter. Trees leaves start to change colour. The end of autumn can bring stormy conditions along with strong gales.
For some animals, like hedgehogs, finding food in the cold dark winter months can be difficult so they hibernate. This is where they go into a deep sleep which helps them save energy over winter.
In winter the sun is lowest in the sky. The angle of the Sun means that we don’t get as much light or heat and our days are at their shortest. As the temperature drops, we’re more likely to get snow, hail or sleet. Some trees lose their leaves and its too cold for most plants to grow.
In spring the UK begins to tilt back towards the sun again. During this time, the days get longer and it starts to get warmer. Storms are less damaging, and the longer days help plants grow. Some plants, like daffodils produce flowers, and trees make blossom and animals wake from hibernation.
So next time you’re playing out in the park or the garden, look around at the trees. Are the leaves changing colour? Are they falling to the ground? Are the branches looking bare? What signs of the season can you spot?
What causes the seasons to change?
- The seasons are caused by the way the Earth is tilted.
- The parts of the Earth that are tilted towards the Sun get more of the Sun's heat and light.
- The parts of the world which are tilted away get less of the Sun's heat and light.
- The Earth takes a full year (365 days) to When an object in space, like Earth, moves in a path around another object in space, like the Sun. around the Sun.
- As the Earth travels around the Sun, places that are tilted towards the Sun change. These changes are known as seasons.
- The four seasons are: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Examples of the seasons in Scotland
This slideshow shows real life examples of the seasons in Scotland and the weather each seasons brings.
Image caption, Spring
Longer days and warmer weather in spring help plants grow. Some trees make blossom, like these cherry trees in Elgin. (John Bracegirdle / Alamy Stock Photo)
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Key words about seasons and weather
- Equator - An imaginary line that divides the earth into two parts: the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
- Northern Hemisphere - The half of the earth between the North Pole and the Equator.
- Southern Hemisphere - The half of the earth between the South Pole and the Equator.
- temperature - How we measure how hot or cold it is. We usually measure temperature in degrees Celsius.
- hibernate - When an animal becomes inactive during the winter months to save energy. Their breathing and heartrate slows down and their body temperature drops.
Test your knowledge
Quiz
Test your knowledge of the weather and seasons with this short multiple choice quiz.
Challenge
Design a poster about your favourite season.
Choose your favourite season: spring, summer, autumn or winter. Can you explain some of the features of this season?
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- What kind of weather do we get during your favourite season?
- Is the UK tilted towards or away from the Sun?
- What is happening for animal and plants during this season? Are lots of plants growing? Are animals hibernating or are baby animals being born?
If you need help with your poster, you can learn more here: How to make a poster.
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