Nov 22, 2026; Nov 22, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).

What are the three pentads of Minor Snow?

Pentad 1: 虹藏不見 (Rainbows hide away); Pentad 2: 天氣上升地氣下降 (The air of heaven rises, the air of earth sinks); Pentad 3: 閉塞而成冬 (All is closed off and winter sets in).

Where is the Sun at Minor Snow?

The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 240° (entering Sagittarius). Minor Snow is a principal term (zhongqi) in winter.

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Minor Snow

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Minor Snow

小雪 · Xiaoxue

Sun's longitude 240° · Principal term (zhongqi) · Winter · Nov 22, 2026

Snow begins to fall, but only lightly, and the ground has not yet frozen.

The three pentads

虹藏不見Rainbows hide away
天氣上升地氣下降The air of heaven rises, the air of earth sinks
閉塞而成冬All is closed off and winter sets in

Each solar term is split into three pentads of about five days, each marked by a sign in nature.

Customs

In the south people cure meat and make sausages to get ready for the New Year.

Sky file

Sun's longitude: 240°
Type: Principal term (zhongqi)
Season: Winter
Chinese month: 亥 Hai month (Start of Winter to Major Snow)
Sun's position: Enters Sagittarius
Dates: Nov 22, 2026 · Nov 22, 2027

Dates are in Beijing time.

Frequently asked questions

When is Minor Snow?: Nov 22, 2026; Nov 22, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).
What are the three pentads of Minor Snow?: Pentad 1: 虹藏不見 (Rainbows hide away); Pentad 2: 天氣上升地氣下降 (The air of heaven rises, the air of earth sinks); Pentad 3: 閉塞而成冬 (All is closed off and winter sets in).
What customs are associated with Minor Snow?: In the south people cure meat and make sausages to get ready for the New Year.
Where is the Sun at Minor Snow?: The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 240° (entering Sagittarius). Minor Snow is a principal term (zhongqi) in winter.

For culture and fun: personality and tradition only, no predictions.