Astronomical Summer Begins June 20th

Summer Solstice 2025: The Longest Day of the Year

Astronomical Summer Begins June 20th

The summer solstice, the day with the longest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere, will occur on Friday, June 20th, 2025. This celestial event marks the official start of astronomical summer.

During the summer solstice, the sun's position in the sky reaches its highest point relative to the Earth's equator. This occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted towards the sun, resulting in the maximum amount of direct sunlight for the Northern Hemisphere.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice brings longer days and shorter nights, signaling the arrival of warmer weather and more outdoor activities.

Observing the Summer Solstice

The exact time of the summer solstice varies slightly each year, but it typically occurs around June 20th or 21st. In 2025, the summer solstice will officially begin at 12:57 PM UTC (Universal Time Coordinated).

Observing the summer solstice can be a special experience. Some people gather to watch the sunrise or sunset on this day, which offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the celestial sphere.