First Day Of Fall 2013: The Autumnal Equinox Is Here

Alas, summer is coming to a close because September 22 is, however unfortunate, the first day of fall.

The season officially begins at 4:44 p.m. EDT during the autumnal equinox, when the sun crosses directly over the Earth's equator and both day and night are about equal. Fall will last a solid three months until the beginning of Winter on December 21, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.

But all is not lost!

There are quite a few reasons to appreciate the season, including some spectacular foliage.

It's basically the time for trees to reevaluate their priorities and start anew.

And it really is the perfect time for a hot cup of tea.

And campfires.

Really, it's just a time for nature to be beautiful.

There are fall breezes.

And some stellar food. Because there's nothing better than a warm cookie on a cold night.

It's a time to reflect, and settle in to a new post-summer groove.

So, fall, we welcome you with open arms. Bring on the pie.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this entry misstated the official start time of fall on September 22.