Wintertime is the season of winter, the coldest part of the year when daylight is shortest and temperatures drop. In the Northern Hemisphere, wintertime runs roughly from December through February, while in the Southern Hemisphere it falls during June, July, and August.

During wintertime, many places experience snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Trees lose their leaves (except evergreens), some animals hibernate or migrate to warmer areas, and people bundle up in heavy coats and scarves. Activities like sledding, ice skating, and building snowmen become possible in areas that get snow.

The word emphasizes the experience and feel of the season. You might say “In wintertime, the pond freezes solid” or “Wintertime meant hot chocolate after school.” It captures the calendar dates and the whole atmosphere: shorter days, longer nights, and that special quality of cold, crisp air.

Not everywhere experiences dramatic winters. Near the equator, wintertime might just mean slightly cooler temperatures or a dry season rather than snow and ice. But wherever you live, wintertime marks the period when your part of Earth tilts farthest from the Sun, making days short and temperatures cool.