During which season in the northern hemisphere is the Earth closest to the Sun?

Nice question, but the explanation leaves out the key fact: Seasons are caused by the TILT of Earth on its axis, not its distance from the sun. Northern hemisphere winter occurs when it does because the northern hemisphere is titled away from the sun at that time of year. When the tilt reverses six months later, it is northern hemisphere summer and southern hemisphere winter.

Wow, mind blown. I was today old (and I’m ancient) when I learnt this.

GreenerBrand1, true, but that wasn't the question. Also explains why Southern hemisphere experiences hotter summers than the Northern.

GreenerBrand1, You are correct.