When Does Volleyball Season Start? By Level & Region

By Emma Wilson · July 4, 2026

Volleyball season start times vary by region, level of play, and league, but generally run from fall to spring, with peak seasons between August and May. For example, NCAA women’s volleyball starts in late August, while international FIVB competitions like the Volleyball Nations League begin in June.

When Does Volleyball Season Start by Level?

Volleyball is played year-round globally, but official competitive seasons depend on the governing body, country, and competition level. Below is a breakdown of start dates across major categories.

High School Volleyball

In the United States, high school volleyball typically begins in late summer or early fall.
Most states start tryouts in August, with regular-season matches beginning in September.
Seasons usually end in November, culminating in state championships.
In states like California and Texas, girls’ volleyball is a fall sport, while boys’ teams often play in spring.

College (NCAA) Volleyball

NCAA Division I women’s volleyball regular season starts in late August.
The tournament begins in December, ending with the National Championship.
Men’s collegiate volleyball follows a winter-spring schedule, starting in January.

Professional & International Leagues

FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) starts in June for both men and women.
Top European club leagues (e.g., Italy’s Serie A, Turkey’s Sultanlar Ligi) begin in October and run through March.
Beach volleyball seasons align with warmer months, peaking during summer for FIVB World Tour events.

Regional Variations in Volleyball Seasons

Different countries structure their volleyball calendars based on climate, school systems, and sports culture.

United States

The U.S. follows an academic-year model for indoor volleyball. Youth club seasons often bridge high school and college cycles, running from November to June, including national tournaments in July.

Europe

European professional leagues typically start in autumn. For instance, Russia’s Super League and Poland’s PlusLiga kick off in October, with playoffs concluding in April or May.

Asia

In Japan and South Korea, corporate and university leagues dominate, with seasons starting between January and March. China’s Chinese Volleyball League runs from November to April.

League/Organization	Start Month	End Month	Championship Period	Country/Region
NCAA Women's Volleyball	August	December	Early December	United States
NCAA Men's Volleyball	January	April	Mid-April	United States
FIVB Volleyball Nations League	June	July	Late July	Global
Turkish Sultanlar Ligi (Women)	October	May	May	Turkey
Italian Serie A1 (Women)	October	May	May	Italy
Chinese Volleyball League	November	April	April	China
Japan V.League Division 1	January	April	April	Japan

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

The table shows that indoor volleyball seasons in professional leagues are mostly held during colder months, from fall to spring, while international elite competitions like the VNL occur in summer. Collegiate women’s volleyball in the U.S. aligns with the fall academic term, whereas men’s programs follow a shorter winter-spring cycle. This scheduling avoids conflict with other major sports and maximizes athlete availability.

Off-Season and Club Volleyball

While official seasons have defined start and end dates, many athletes participate in club or off-season leagues to maintain skill and fitness.

Youth club volleyball in the U.S. often runs from November to June.
National club championships, such as USA Volleyball Junior Nationals, are held in July.
Beach volleyball serves as an off-season alternative for indoor players, especially in coastal regions.

Common Questions About Volleyball Season Start Dates

When does high school volleyball season start in the USA?

High school volleyball in the United States typically starts in August with practices, and official matches begin in September. The season runs through October and November, ending with state playoffs.

What month does NCAA women's volleyball start?

NCAA Division I women's volleyball regular season begins in late August, with the tournament starting in December and the championship match usually held in mid-December.

When is the FIVB Volleyball Nations League held?

The FIVB Volleyball Nations League starts in June each year, with preliminary rounds lasting four weeks and finals held in late July.

Do professional volleyball leagues have the same start date worldwide?

No, professional volleyball leagues do not start at the same time globally. European leagues like Italy’s Serie A and Turkey’s Sultanlar Ligi begin in October, while China’s league starts in November and Japan’s V.League begins in January.

Is there volleyball played year-round?

Yes, volleyball is played year-round globally. While indoor leagues follow seasonal schedules, beach volleyball, club circuits, and youth tournaments continue throughout the year, especially in warm climates.