But where did this term actually come from? The phrase is common, cozy, and controversial. Let’s unpack the foggy, fascinating origin of “Indian Summer.” Before we look at the history, let’s define the weather. Meteorologically, an Indian Summer refers to a period of unseasonably warm, dry, and calm weather that occurs after the first hard frost of autumn (typically late October or November).

While the term was likely born from observation (not malice), many contemporary style guides (like the Associated Press and the American Meteorological Society) have noted that the word “Indian” in this context is an archaic, colonial-era misnomer.

Today, you can use the phrase. Most people know exactly what you mean: that beautiful, fragile, final breath of warmth before the snow flies.

The wind dies down. The hazy sun returns. For a few precious days, it feels like summer snuck back in for a quiet encore.