When does college football season start and end? Why?

The college football season typically starts in late August or early September and ends in late December or early January with the conclusion of the College Football Playoff. The exact dates vary from year to year, but the season usually begins with the first full weekend of games in late August or early September and culminates with the College Football Playoff National Championship in January. The lengthy season allows teams to play multiple games in a range of different climates and conditions, giving them an opportunity to show off their full range of skills.