When Does Baseball Season Begin and End? 2025 Schedule

By Emma Wilson · November 15, 2025

The Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season typically begins in late March or early April and ends in late September or early October. The postseason follows immediately, culminating in the World Series, which usually concludes by early November at the latest.

Overview of the MLB Season Schedule

The structure of the Major League Baseball season is divided into three main phases: spring training, the regular season, and the postseason. Each phase plays a critical role in player preparation, competitive play, and championship determination.

Key Phases of the MLB Season

Spring Training: Begins in mid-February, allowing players to prepare physically and strategically.
Regular Season: Starts in late March or early April with 162 games per team over approximately six months.
Postseason: Includes Wild Card Games, Division Series, League Championship Series, and the World Series, ending by early November.

When Does the Regular Season Start?

The MLB regular season traditionally opens in late March or early April. Opening Day is one of the most anticipated events in American sports and often features multiple games across the league. International openers have become more common, sometimes pushing the start slightly earlier.

Factors Influencing the Start Date

National holidays such as Easter or Passover may shift scheduling.
Weather conditions in northern cities can impact early-season games.
Collective bargaining agreements between MLB and the Players Association affect calendar planning.
Global games (e.g., in Japan, Mexico, or London) may begin the season earlier for participating teams.

When Does the Baseball Season End?

The regular season concludes in late September or early October. All 30 teams play 162 games, though rainouts or tiebreaker scenarios may extend play by a day or two. Immediately after, the postseason begins with the Wild Card round.

Postseason Timeline

Wild Card Games: Two days of single-elimination matchups.
Division Series (ALDS/NLDS): Best-of-five series starting shortly after Wild Card rounds.
League Championship Series (ALCS/NLCS): Determines each league's champion.
World Series: Best-of-seven series that typically ends by late October or early November.

Historical MLB Season Dates and Duration

Year	Regular Season Start	Regular Season End	Postseason End (World Series)	Total Season Length (Days)
2022	April 7	October 5	November 5	212
2023	March 30	October 1	November 1	216
2024	March 28 (Japan)	September 29	October 27	213
2025 (Projected)	March 27 (London)	September 28	October 26	213
2021	April 1	October 3	November 2	215

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows consistent season lengths averaging around 213–216 days, including spring openers and the World Series. Early international starts, like the 2024 Tokyo and 2025 London games, slightly shift the calendar but maintain overall consistency. The trend toward earlier global openers reflects MLB’s strategy to expand its international audience.

Factors That Can Alter the MLB Calendar

While the general schedule remains stable, several variables can influence exact start and end dates.

External Influences on Season Timing

Weather Delays: Cold climates may cause postponements, especially in April.
Player Strikes or Lockouts: Labor disputes, such as the 2022 lockout, can delay the season.
Olympic Games: Though baseball is not always included, MLB adjusts schedules when necessary.
Pandemics: The 2020 season was shortened to 60 games due to COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baseball Season Dates

When does the 2025 MLB season start and end?

The 2025 MLB regular season is projected to begin on March 27 with a two-game series between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies in London, England. The regular season will conclude on September 28, followed by the postseason, which is expected to end around October 26, 2025.

How many games are in an MLB season?

Each MLB team plays 162 games during the regular season. This rigorous schedule spans nearly six months and includes home and away series against divisional, interleague, and non-divisional opponents within their league.

Why does baseball season start in April?

Baseball traditionally starts in April due to weather constraints in northern U.S. cities, where early spring temperatures can be too cold for safe outdoor play. April provides more favorable conditions for consistent gameplay across all 30 team markets.

Does the baseball season ever start in March?

Yes, the MLB season has increasingly begun in late March, especially when international games are scheduled. For example, the 2023 season started on March 30, and the 2024 season opened on March 28 in South Korea and Japan.

How long is the MLB postseason?

The MLB postseason lasts approximately four weeks, beginning in early October and concluding with the World Series in late October or early November. The exact duration depends on how many games are needed in each best-of-five or best-of-seven series.