Colors can evoke certain feelings, represent different meanings, and are often associated with seasons or times of year. When we think about the colors that represent the months, there are some common associations based on holidays, seasons, weather patterns, and symbolic meanings.
January
The color most commonly associated with January is white. This is because January often brings snow and ice in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The white snow covering the landscape represents the blank slate of a new year beginning. White is also considered a pure color, symbolizing new beginnings.
Other colors connected to January include:
- Blue – Matches the often cold, icy weather and deep blue winter skies.
- Black – Representing the darkness of short winter days.
- Gray – Mimicking dreary overcast skies.
February
The colors representing February are red, pink, and purple. This is due to Valentine’s Day falling in the middle of February. Reds and pinks symbolize love, passion, and romance associated with the holiday. More specifically:
- Bright reds represent excitement and attraction.
- Light pinks are whimsical, sweet, and feminine.
- Purples complement red tones and add a sense of creativity and imagination.
Because February also tends to be cold and snowy, lighter shades of blue, gray, and white are also fitting colors for the month.
March
The colors most symbolic of March are shades of green. As March brings the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, the greens represent new growth and rejuvenation. Specifically:
- Light greens symbolize new buds, fresh grass, and sprouting plants.
- Lime greens represent the bright, vibrant new growth.
- Kelly greens signify renewal and luck for St. Patrick’s Day.
Aqua tones also connect to March because of celebrations around water for St. Patrick’s Day. Yellow hints of daffodils blooming add optimism and blue skies are clearing.
April
April is full of spring rains, so the colors most symbolic of the month are:
- Light blues – Rainy skies and April showers.
- Umbrella colors – Reds, yellows, blues – Protection from the frequent rains.
- Pastels – Soft pinks, purples, blues – Representing spring flowers.
April also brings Earth Day, so greens continue representing nature, and oranges symbolize warmth and sunshine returning.
May
May is when spring is in full bloom, so the colors are bright and lively. Common symbolic colors include:
- Bright greens – Vibrant spring growth and grass.
- Yellow – Cheerful daffodils and dandelions in bloom.
- Purple – Lavender and lilacs blossoming.
- Pink – Cherry blossom trees and flowers.
May often has sunny blue skies with fluffy white clouds as well. The lively colors represent the energy and new life of spring.
June
June brings the start of summer. The colors symbolic of June are:
- Light blues – Skies over beaches and lakes.
- Yellow and orange – Warmth of the summer sun.
- Green – Continued growth of trees and plants.
- Red, white, blue – American flags and patriotism.
The bright, saturated tones represent the excitement and energy of early summer leading into July 4th celebrations.
July
With Independence Day and the heart of summer occurring in July, the symbolic colors are:
- Red, white, and blue – Patriotism, Independence Day
- Neon brights – Hot sun, beach parties, citrus fruits
- Turquoise and aqua – Cooling off at the pool or beach
Other summery July colors are fiery oranges, reds, and yellows of barbeques and campfires and lush greens of summer trees and grass.
August
August continues mid-summer fun, so colors stay bright. Common colors include:
- Yellows and oranges – Long summer days and sunflowers
- Purples – Majesty of late summer blooms
- Turquoise and emeralds – Oceans and lush trees
- Pinks and reds – Watermelon slices
August also represents the end of summer nearing, so autumnal colors like mauves, coppers, rusts, and mustard yellows come into play.
September
September introduces fall, so the colors shift to rich, warm tones. Typical September colors are:
- Amber and gold – Changing fall leaves
- Orange and rust – Pumpkins and fall harvest
- Purple – Asters and Sedum blooms
- Red and pink – apples and late roses
September also brings Labor Day, so patriotic reds, whites, and blues are fitting. As fall approaches, greens turn olive and navy skies arrive.
October
October is full of fall colors. Common symbolic tones include:
- Orange – Pumpkins, leaves, harvest
- Red – Leaves, apples
- Yellow – Leaves, gourds
- Purple – Asters, kale
- Brown – Falling leaves, earth
October also brings Halloween, so black for darkness and ghosts and neon brights for costumes come into play.
November
November colors are more subdued, with browns representing falling leaves and bare trees. Specific symbolic colors include:
- Brown – Bare trees, earth
- Orange – Thanksgiving, pumpkins, fall
- Burgundy and mustards – Wine, autumn foliage
- Grey and blue – Somber skies
As Thanksgiving and autumn fade, November tones turn more grey in preparation for winter.
December
December brings winter and the brightest holiday of the year – Christmas! Common symbolic colors are:
- Red and Green – Christmas colors
- Gold, silver, and white – Parties, gifts, snow
- Blue – Hanukkah and winter nights
- Black – Long nights
December also has wintery cool tones of icy blue, crisp white, frosty silver, and inky black alongside festive holiday brights.
Summary of Month Colors
| Month | Colors |
|---|---|
| January | White, blue, gray, black |
| February | Red, pink, purple |
| March | Green, aqua, yellow, blue |
| April | Pastels, light blue, orange, green |
| May | Green, yellow, pink, purple |
| June | Blue, yellow, orange, red, white |
| July | Red, white, blue, neon brights |
| August | Yellow, orange, purple, pink, red |
| September | Amber, orange, purple, red |
| October | Orange, red, yellow, purple, brown |
| November | Brown, orange, burgundy, grey, blue |
| December | Red, green, gold, silver, white, blue, black |
Conclusion
While there are common colors associated with each month based on weather, holidays, and symbolic meanings, the colors of the months are open to personal interpretations. The colors listed for each month are commonly accepted representations, but individuals may have their own special colors reminding them of memories or experiences during certain times of year.
Overall, the colors of the months reflect the seasonal changes throughout the year. Cooler months gravitate towards deeper, richer tones while the warmer months shine with vivid brights. The colors provide an abstract way to visualize the patterns and energy fluctuating through the months.
