Which statement best defines a seasonal pattern in time series data?

A seasonal pattern in time series data is characterized by its repeating nature over specific intervals, typically related to time, such as months or quarters. This means that a seasonal pattern reflects regular fluctuations that occur consistently at the same time each period—a behavior that can be observed in various phenomena, like retail sales peaking during the holiday season or ice cream sales increasing during summer months.

This consistent repetition distinguishes seasonal patterns from trends or random variations. While other choices may seem relevant—like the idea of specific months in the year relating to seasonal changes—it's the inherent repeating characteristic over designated intervals that truly defines a seasonal pattern, making it the most accurate response in this context.