When Is Volleyball Season? U.S. and Global Schedules Explained

By Sarah Miller · October 25, 2042

Volleyball season varies by region and level of play, but generally runs from fall to spring, with peak competition between September and May in the U.S. collegiate and high school systems, while international elite events often span summer months.

When Is Volleyball Season? A Complete Overview

Volleyball is played year-round globally, but organized competitive seasons follow structured timelines depending on the league, country, and level of play. In the United States, the primary indoor volleyball season for high schools and colleges occurs during the winter months, typically starting in September and concluding with championships in April or May. International club and national team competitions, including FIVB events, are often scheduled from May through October, peaking during the summer. Beach volleyball follows a different rhythm, with its professional season concentrated in warmer months to align with outdoor conditions.

High School Volleyball Seasons in the U.S.

In the United States, high school volleyball is primarily a fall sport governed by state athletic associations. While exact dates vary slightly by state, most seasons follow a similar structure:

Tryouts begin in late August
Regular season runs from early September to mid-November
District and state playoffs occur in November
Girls' volleyball dominates the fall season; boys' volleyball is often played in the spring

States like California and Texas host some of the largest high school tournaments, drawing hundreds of teams annually.

Collegiate Volleyball Schedule (NCAA)

The NCAA governs college volleyball in the U.S., dividing it into three divisions (I, II, III). The women’s indoor season is a major winter sport, while men’s collegiate volleyball typically plays in the spring.

Women’s NCAA Volleyball Timeline

Preseason training: August
Regular season: Late August – Early December
NCAA Tournament: Early December (Final Four usually in mid-December)
Championship: Held in a rotating host city

Men’s NCAA Volleyball Season

Season start: January
Regular season: January – late April
NCAA Tournament: Early May

Competition Level	Season Start	Season End	Championship Month	Primary Gender
High School (USA)	September	November	November	Female
NCAA Women	August	December	December	Female
NCAA Men	January	May	May	Male
FIVB Volleyball Nations League	May	July	July	Both
AVP Beach Volleyball Pro Tour	June	September	September	Both

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows a clear seasonal split between indoor and beach volleyball, as well as gender-based scheduling differences in U.S. education-based sports. Notably, elite international indoor competitions bridge late spring and summer, offering athletes year-round engagement. The NCAA women's season stands out for its early conclusion in December, allowing alignment with academic calendars.

International and Professional Volleyball Calendar

Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) organizes elite global competitions. Key events include:

Volleyball Nations League (VNL): Runs May–July annually for both men and women
Olympic Games: Held every four years in summer; volleyball is a core event
World Championships: Occur every four years, typically in odd-numbered years
Club World Championships: Usually held in December

Professional leagues in Europe and Asia operate from October to March, mirroring European winter sports schedules.

Beach Volleyball Season Schedule

Unlike indoor volleyball, beach volleyball thrives in warm weather. The professional season is tightly aligned with climate and international events:

FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour: Runs from May to September
AVP (U.S.) Pro Tour: June to September
CEV Euro Beach Volleyball Tour: July to August
Olympic beach volleyball: Held during summer Games

Athletes often train indoors during off-season months and compete outdoors when weather permits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball Season

When does high school volleyball season start and end?

In most U.S. states, high school volleyball begins in late August or early September and ends in November, with playoffs concluding by mid-November. Girls' season is in the fall, while boys' volleyball, where offered, often takes place in the spring.

What months are NCAA women's volleyball played?

NCAA women's volleyball runs from late August through December, with the national championship typically held in mid-December. The regular season spans about 3–4 months, followed by conference and NCAA tournament play.

Is men's college volleyball in the spring?

Yes, men's NCAA volleyball is a spring sport, beginning in January and culminating with the national championship in early May. This schedule accommodates fewer participating schools and avoids overlap with dominant winter sports.

When is the FIVB Volleyball Nations League held?

The FIVB Volleyball Nations League takes place annually from May to July, featuring top national teams competing in a round-robin format leading to finals in July. It serves as a key preparatory event for the Olympics and World Championships.

Do professional volleyball players have an off-season?

Yes, professional volleyball players typically have an off-season lasting 4–8 weeks, depending on their league and international commitments. Many transition between indoor and beach volleyball or participate in training camps and recovery programs during downtime.