When and What Is the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Solstices are opposite on either side of the equator, so the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa.
Earth's position in space at June solstice.
© timeanddate.com
Northern Hemisphere Summer Solstice
(North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Northern Africa)
In San Francisco, California, USA: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 2:13 am PDT (Change location)
This corresponds to Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 9:13 am UTC.
- Sun rise/set and day length around this equinox
- Equinox countdown
- Local times for this equinox worldwide
- Equinox Day and Night Map
Southern Hemisphere Summer Solstice
(Australia, New Zealand, South America, Southern Africa)
In San Francisco, California, USA: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 7:59 am PST (Change location)
This corresponds to Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 3:59 pm UTC.
- Sun rise/set and day length around this equinox
- Equinox countdown
- Local times for this equinox worldwide
- Equinox Day and Night Map
Is It the First Day of Summer?
Sunrise at Stonehenge at Summer Solstice.
©iStockphoto.com/AndyRoland
'Solstice' (Latin: 'solstitium') means 'sun-stopping', because the point where the sun appears to rise and set, stops and reverses direction after this day
The first day of spring, summer, fall and winter can either be defined using astronomical events like solstices and equinoxes, or they can be determined based on meteorological factors, such as average temperatures.
Over the centuries, the June solstice has inspired countless festivals, midsummer celebrations and religious holidays.
One of the world's oldest evidence of the summer solstice's importance in culture is Stonehenge in England, a megalithic structure which clearly marks the moment of the June solstice.