# Season Detection

Detects if the current date falls within a specific season.

## Overview

A season sensor is ON when the current date is in the selected season, OFF otherwise.

Uses **meteorological seasons**, which are based on temperature cycles and defined by complete calendar months.

## Configuration

1. Select "Season Detection"
2. Configure:
   - **Calculation Name**: A friendly name
   - **Season**: Choose spring, summer, autumn, or winter
   - **Hemisphere**: Choose northern or southern
   - **Icon**: Optional custom icon

![Add Season Detection](img/AddSeasonDetection.png)

## Meteorological Seasons

Dates vary based on selected hemisphere:

### Northern Hemisphere

- **Spring**: March 1 - May 31
- **Summer**: June 1 - August 31
- **Autumn**: September 1 - November 30
- **Winter**: December 1 - February 28/29

### Southern Hemisphere

- **Spring**: September 1 - November 30
- **Summer**: December 1 - February 28/29
- **Autumn**: March 1 - May 31
- **Winter**: June 1 - August 31

## About Meteorological Seasons

Metorological seasons are defined by temperature cycles rather than astronomical events (equinoxes/solstices). This makes them more useful for weather, climate, and temperature-based automation. Each season spans exactly 3 months:

- More consistent meteorological data across the year
- Better alignment with temperature patterns
- Easier for climate-related automation rules

## Examples

### 1. Seasonal Heating/Cooling (Northern Hemisphere)
```json
{
  "type": "season",
  "name": "Winter Season",
  "season": "winter",
  "hemisphere": "northern"
}
```

Use in automation to adjust thermostat settings

### 2. Seasonal Lighting (Southern Hemisphere)
```json
{
  "type": "season",
  "name": "Time of Year Summer",
  "season": "summer",
  "hemisphere": "southern"
}
```

Adjust lighting brightness based on season

## Automation Examples

```yaml
automation:
  - alias: "Winter heating mode"
    trigger:
      platform: state
      entity_id: binary_sensor.winter_season
      to: "on"
    action:
      service: climate.set_preset_mode
      target:
        entity_id: climate.thermostat
      data:
        preset_mode: heating

  - alias: "Summer cooling mode"
    trigger:
      platform: state
      entity_id: binary_sensor.summer_season
      to: "on"
    action:
      service: climate.set_preset_mode
      target:
        entity_id: climate.thermostat
      data:
        preset_mode: cooling
```