July

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July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. It is, on average, the warmest month in most of the Northern hemisphere (where it is the second month of summer) and the coldest month in much of the Southern hemisphere. The second half of the year commences in July. The birthstone for July is a red ruby.

In the Northern hemisphere:

• Dog days begin in early July, when the hot sultry weather of summer usually starts.
• Summer school is under way for many students.
• Spring lambs, born in late winter or early spring, are usually sold before July 1st.

July was renamed for Julius Caesar, who was born in that month. Previously, it was called Quintilis in Latin, since it was the fifth month in the ancient Roman calendar, before January became the first month of the calendar year (the year when displayed as twelve months in order) during the time of the decemvirs about 450 BC. In the ancient Roman calendar the ides of July fell on the 15th day of the month.

July starts on the same day of the week as April every year, and January in leap years.