also: はつなつ
early summer
Refers to the beginning of summer, roughly June in the modern calendar. Used in weather forecasts, seasonal greetings, and literary descriptions.
Lured by the early summer weather, I took a walk in the park.
When it comes to flowers that bloom in early summer, hydrangeas are famous.
fourth month of the lunar calendar
Only with reading しょか
Obsolete term; in the old lunar calendar, this corresponded to early summer. Not used in modern Japanese except in historical contexts.
In the old lunar calendar, 初夏 referred to the fourth month.
June arrived, and early summer finally set in.
Drawn out by the early-summer warmth, I took a walk in the park.
A pleasant early-summer breeze is blowing.