When is Volleyball Season | A Complete Guide for Every Level

Understanding the volleyball schedule is essential, whether you’re a player eager to make the opening serve or a fan excited to support your favourite team.

The question, “When is volleyball season?” isn’t just about marking dates on a calendar.

It’s about catching the wave of the sport in all its forms.

With its various formats and levels, volleyball has no one-size-fits-all answer to that question.

Key Takeaway: Volleyball season starting dates depend on the type of play and competition level. The high school and college indoor seasons usually begin in the fall.

Club volleyball starts in September or October, and professional leagues continue year-round. Beach volleyball is mainly in summer, and snow volleyball starts in winter.

In this guide, I’ll give you an overview of the start and end dates for volleyball seasons at various levels, including high schools, colleges, clubs, and professional circuits, as well as the specialized worlds of beach and snow volleyball.

After reading it, you’ll be prepared to jump into the game or cheer on your favourites at the right time.

Introduction to Volleyball Seasons

Volleyball is a game played year-round across the globe in various forms.

The thrill of the game takes many shapes, from the indoor courts to the sunlit beaches and snowy landscapes.

The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) is the global authority for the most accurate and up-to-date volleyball schedules.

They oversee international competitions and provide schedules for events like the Volleyball Nations League and the Volleyball World Championship.

In the United States, the NCAA is the definitive source for college volleyball season timings, including both the men’s and women’s games.

The FIVB is still the place to look for the beach volleyball scene.

If you are a fan of snow volleyball, you can trust USAV for the up-to-date schedules.

Regarding club volleyball, the calendar can be as varied as the teams.

You should check with organizations like USA Volleyball (USAV) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) for their latest schedules. 

Each state’s athletic association is the best resource for high school volleyball, as dates can vary regionally.

When Does Volleyball Season Start? (Overview Table) 

Whether you’re hitting the court, coaching a team, or cheering from the stands, you’ll want to know when the season kicks off.

With games played at schools, on beaches, and even in the snow, finding the schedule can be a puzzle.

And remember, some matches could be lengthy or shorter, depending on various factors. 

To help you get ahead of the game, I have compiled the essential dates into one handy table.

It’s a quick snapshot of when each volleyball season starts and ends.

Are you ready to circle those dates and gear up for the thrills of the game?

Level of Play	Season
Middle School (Girls)	September-November
Middle School (Boys)	March-May
High School (Girls)	August-November
High School (Boys)	March-May
College (Men)	January-May
College (Women)	August-December
Club Volleyball	October-April
Professional Indoor	All year
Beach Volleyball	May-September
Snow Volleyball	December-March

Note: The season start and end dates are general and can vary by region and specific league schedules. Please don’t just rely on this table, as it’s a general overview.

When is Volleyball Season for Schools?

For many students, school is the start of a lifelong passion for volleyball.

My passion for volleyball started as I watched my seniors playing on our school’s beautiful indoor court, a place of energy and aspiration.

Ah, that time of slowly learning and practising volleyball!

Well, let’s forget that and discuss when the seasons start in middle and high schools.

1) Middle School

The girls usually play in middle school from the start of September until about mid-fall or November.

Boys wait for their chance in the spring, from March to May. 

Check with the school’s athletic department for the detailed schedule to ensure your young athlete doesn’t miss the first whistle.

It’s the perfect time to learn, play, and grow with each match.

2) High School

Girls’ volleyball at high school usually begins in August before classes start and lasts till November.

Boys often wait until spring, around March, to play, and the season lasts approximately 2 to 3 months.

But every school is different, so it’s a good idea to ask the sports coordinator for the specifics.

That way, you’ll be ready for tryouts, training sessions, and those game-winning moments.

In high school volleyball, the off-season is a golden time for growth and preparation.

It is when the focus shifts to building strength, refining skills, and developing team chemistry.

If you are in high school, I recommend joining local clubs to keep your serves sharp and digs accurate.

This extra effort will make all the difference when the season rolls around again.

When Does College Volleyball Season Start?

If you’re a college student and a volleyball enthusiast, watch the season’s schedule closely.

College volleyball is more competitive than high school, and missing out could mean waiting for the next chance to play.

In other countries, like the UK and parts of Europe, men’s and women’s volleyball starts in the fall, around September.

This difference reflects the diverse approaches to the sport around the globe.

1) Men’s College Volleyball

For men in college volleyball, the games usually start in the spring.

The season usually kicks off in January and runs through May.

The schedule is filled with about 20-30 games, providing ample opportunity for teams to make their mark in college volleyball.

This spring season is thrilling for male athletes to showcase their skills on the court.

2) Women’s College Volleyball

For women in college volleyball, the games typically start in the fall.

The teams prepare around August or September, with a schedule packed with challenges and opportunities.

The fall semester is crucial for these athletes, with the season stretching until December. 

It’s a busy time with lots of matches.

But along with the strict schedule, it’s the best time for learning new skills, working as a team, and planning how to win games.

The big events at the end of the season are the division nationals and finals, where the best teams show what they can do.

The NCAA, which oversees these matches, reports that there are more than 1,800 women’s volleyball teams across the USA.

For aspiring and seasoned athletes alike, the college volleyball season is a time of intense competition and team spirit.

If you are still figuring out the suitable volleyball college to kickstart your career, I recommend checking out the NCSA list.

When Does Club Volleyball Season Start and End?

The club volleyball seasons run from October to April, filling the gap left by school volleyball off-season.

This timing allows players, both boys and girls, from middle and high school levels to continue sharpening their skills year-round.

Clubs often start with tryouts in October-November, followed by practice sessions beginning in December or January.

The USAV and AAU are the leading organizations that handle nearly every club tournament.

They provide structure and high standards, ensuring players get the best experience from club volleyball.

Another worth mentioning aspect is that the clubs come in various formats, with some offering extensive 9-month programs.

It is especially beneficial for players whose schools lack volleyball programs or competitiveness.

These clubs often participate in high-level tournaments, travelling far and wide.

So, participating in those club tournaments gives you wider exposure and skill perfection.

Beach Volleyball Season Guide

While the classic beach volleyball season lasts from May to September, the sport doesn’t take a break.

In places like Thailand, tournaments also pop up in January and November.

Because, let’s face it, somewhere in the world, it’s always summer!

For club enthusiasts, beach volleyball is a special treat.

From May 1st through mid-July, clubs arrange non-stop tournaments of it.

So, if you get a summer break from your high school, make sure not to miss participating in those matches.

Regarding college students, the NCAA has turned beach volleyball into a significant event in spring, ending with a big tournament in May.

To stay updated on beach volleyball match schedules, visit the official website of AVP because that’s an authentic source to trust.

When does Professional Volleyball Season start?

The professional volleyball calendar contains thrilling events across various leagues and tournaments.

The big games like the Volleyball World Cup and the Olympics are in the summer, from June to August. 

From January to March, you can typically watch thrilling snow volleyball matches at events like the Winter Olympics and the FIVB Snow World Tour.

These events bring together the best players from across the globe, creating a spectacle of high-level competition. 

While these are general timeframes, the exact start of the season can vary.

In the USA, the National Volleyball League (NVL) season usually begins in spring, around March or April, and continues through the summer.

The NVA follows a similar schedule, bringing exciting matches to volleyball enthusiasts.

Globally, professional leagues like Italy’s SuperLega and Russia’s Super League begin in the fall, around September or October. 

It’s always a good idea to check the specific league’s website for the most accurate schedule.

The FIVB organizes many of these international events, ensuring everyone enjoys watching or playing volleyball all year round.

Snow Volleyball Season Guide

Snow volleyball is like regular volleyball but played on snow instead of the beach.

This exciting variation of the game played in the mountains follows a best-of-three sets format.

This winter sport usually occurs from December to March, when the snow is suitable for spiking and serving.

The FIVB Snow Volleyball World Tour is a significant highlight, showcasing this unique game at its best.

While not yet part of the Winter Olympics, there’s growing enthusiasm and efforts to include it in future games.

Interested in getting involved?

Many ski resorts and winter sports areas host snow volleyball events.

Watching these matches, whether in person or online, is a fantastic way to dive into this exciting winter sport.

When is Volleyball Season in California?

The high school volleyball season in California runs during the fall for girls, starting in August and ending in November.

For boys, the season is in the spring, starting around February and ending in May.

Beach volleyball has more flexibility due to California’s climate.

So, the amateur and professional events happen throughout the year.

The collegiate beach volleyball season usually starts in February and ends in May.

The schedule for club volleyball in California can vary.

But the season often begins in November and ends in June or July, including regional and national tournaments.

To catch the action at local volleyball tournaments, contact your area clubs for specific dates and times.

When is Volleyball Season in Texas?

UIL and the “Texas Volleyball Academy” are the most authentic resources for finding up-to-date information about the volleyball tournaments in Texas.

Generally, the season timing in Texas varies by the level of play and whether it’s indoor or beach volleyball.

The high school volleyball season for girls typically starts in August with pre-season activities, with the regular season running from August to November.

For NCAA women’s indoor volleyball, the season generally begins in late August and concludes in December with the national championship.

Men’s college volleyball is less common in Texas, but where available, it follows a similar schedule to the women’s season, primarily in the spring.

Given Texas’ warm climate, beach volleyball can be played year-round.

However, the competitive collegiate beach volleyball season usually runs from February to May.