the lateness of the season

[mengta]

The lateness of the season and bad weather forced White to give up his search and return to England.

what does "the lateness of the season" mean in the sentence?

thanks

[Casiopea]

It was late in the season. Seasons have a beginning, a peak, and an end. Take summer, for example. It starts out cool, then it gets really hot, then it begins to cool down towards the end of the season. Which season, spring, summer, fall or winter do you think the author is talking about? ^0^