The so-called “Velvet Season” is one of the most poetic expressions used to describe a certain time of year in Russia and other countries with a warm seaside climate. It refers to the gentle weeks of early autumn, usually in September and the beginning of October, when the summer heat begins to subside, the air becomes softer, and the sea remains warm and welcoming. The weather during this time is mild and calm, without the exhausting intensity of midsummer, yet still full of light and warmth.
This period has different names depending on the region and tradition. In English, it is sometimes called the “Velvet Season,” “Velvet Autumn,” or even “Golden Autumn by the Sea.” In Mediterranean countries, people might speak of the “Indian Summer by the coast,” while in Russia and the post-Soviet space the original phrase “Бархатный сезон” remains the most beloved. The imagery of velvet was chosen not by chance: velvet is a fabric known for its softness, depth, and richness, and the comparison suggests that this season is just as pleasant to the senses, gentle to the skin, and full of quiet luxury.
The origin of the term “velvet” in this context goes back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, when wealthy travelers preferred to rest by the seaside in early autumn rather than in the scorching summer. The cooler air, the absence of large crowds, and the still-warm sea made this time ideal for leisure. Aristocrats and later intellectuals described this period as “velvety” for its comfort and refinement, and the name gradually became part of everyday language.
Today the Velvet Season remains popular not only on the Black Sea coast but also in many tourist regions around the world. People value it for its balance: it offers the beauty of autumn colors combined with the joy of summer warmth, quiet beaches without crowds, and a sense of peace that comes with the slowing of the year. For many, it is the perfect time to reflect, to rest, and to gather strength before the colder months arrive.
The Velvet Season, under whichever name we choose to call it, is more than just a period of good weather. It is a reminder that transitions in life can be gentle, that endings can also feel like new beginnings, and that nature often saves the most harmonious tones for the moments in between.