A little reason to celebrate
Summer Solstice
Seasonal · Nature · Date set each year
The summer solstice brings the longest day of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the astronomical start of summer.
Summer Solstice falls on Monday, June 21, 2027. That is 237 days away.
The summer solstice is the moment the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky for the year, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. It gives the longest stretch of daylight of any day, and many people count it as the first day of summer.
The reason is the tilt of the Earth. Our planet leans on its axis, so for part of its trip around the Sun the northern half tips toward it. At the solstice that lean toward the Sun is at its greatest. The word itself comes from Latin roots meaning roughly "sun" and "to stand still," because the Sun's noon height seems to pause before it starts creeping lower again.
The effect is easy to feel. Evenings stretch on, and the farther north you live, the later the light lingers. In parts of Alaska the Sun barely sets at all. Shadows at midday are short, and a walk after dinner can still happen in full daylight.
People tend to mark it outdoors. Some get up early to watch the sunrise, others stay out to catch the last glow in the west. Picnics, backyard dinners and long walks fit the day well, since there is simply more light to spend.
One odd thing follows from all this. From here on, each day in the north gets a little shorter, even though the hottest weeks of summer usually still lie ahead.
Ways to celebrate
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from an open spot nearby.
- Eat dinner outside and notice how late the light lasts.
- Check your shadow at midday and see how short it is.
- Take an evening walk while it is still bright.
- Write down today's sunrise and sunset times to compare later.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, June 21 |
| 2027 | Monday, June 21 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, June 20 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, June 20 |
| 2030 | Friday, June 21 |
Also on June 21
- National Smoothie Day
- National Selfie Day
- Go Skateboarding Day
- National Cookie Dough Day
- National Peaches and Cream Day
- Take Your Cat to Work Day
- National Wagyu Day
- National Seashell Day
Categories: Seasonal daysNature days