The first day of school is the first day of an academic year. The timing varies between different areas around the world because of the differences in weather, climate, season, and culture. A common pattern in North America and Europe is for school to begin in late August or early September, while in the southern hemisphere mid January to early February is common, with a few countries[which?] near the equator having a September start. It is most common in Canada, and parts of the US to start school the day after Labor Day.