When Does Summer Start
Summer (summer solstice) marks the astronomical start of summer. Find the exact date and time.
Next occurrence of Summer Solstice
Sunday, 21 June 2026
Summer Solstice in 2026: Sunday, 21 June 2026
What is Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice, also known as midsummer, occurs on approximately 21 June in the UK and marks the astronomical beginning of summer. It is the longest day of the year, with the maximum duration of daylight. After the summer solstice, day length gradually decreases as autumn approaches. The summer solstice has been celebrated by many cultures throughout history and marks the peak of the sun's power.
Traditions
- •Celebrating the longest day of the year
- •Outdoor festivals and celebrations
- •Gatherings at ancient sites like Stonehenge
- •Picnics and barbecues
- •Beach visits and water activities
- •Evening gatherings that take advantage of long daylight hours
- •Bonfire celebrations in some traditions
- •Midsummer festivals in Scandinavian countries
Fun Facts
- ✨The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere
- ✨On this day, the sun's path is at its northernmost point
- ✨The date varies between 20 and 22 June depending on the year
- ✨Stonehenge aligns with the summer solstice sunrise
- ✨In the UK, summer solstice occurs around 16 hours of daylight
When is Summer Solstice each year?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 June 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | 21 June 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | 21 June 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | 21 June 2029 | Thursday |
| 2030 | 21 June 2030 | Friday |
| 2031 | 21 June 2031 | Saturday |
| 2032 | 21 June 2032 | Monday |
| 2033 | 21 June 2033 | Tuesday |
| 2034 | 21 June 2034 | Wednesday |
| 2035 | 21 June 2035 | Thursday |
Related Tools
When Does Summer Start?
Astronomical summer begins at the summer solstice: usually 20 or 21 June in the Northern Hemisphere. Meteorological summer begins 1 June. Many British people recognise Whit Sunday or May Day as 'summer's start' culturally. The astronomical solstice is the longest day of the year.
Astronomical summer dates: 2025: 21 June. 2026: 21 June. 2027: 21 June. 2028: 20 June. UK's hottest weather typically occurs late July to mid August - well after the astronomical solstice. The lag (summer warmth peaks 6-8 weeks after maximum solar input) is due to ocean and ground thermal mass storing heat. Most UK schools break up for summer in mid-late July.
Summer Start Dates (Northern Hemisphere)
| Year | Solstice (Astronomical) | Meteorological |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 20 June | 1 June |
| 2025 | 21 June | 1 June |
| 2026 | 21 June | 1 June |
| 2027 | 21 June | 1 June |
| 2028 | 20 June | 1 June |
| 2029 | 20 June | 1 June |
| 2030 | 21 June | 1 June |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the longest day not the warmest?
Thermal lag. Maximum solar input is at the solstice, but the Earth's surface and oceans take 6-8 weeks to fully warm in response. Peak warmth usually arrives late July or August - the famous 'dog days of summer'.
When does summer end?
Astronomically at the autumn equinox (around 22-23 September). Meteorologically at the end of August (1 September starts autumn). Practically in the UK, summer 'ends' when school resumes early September and the weather breaks - usually by mid-September.
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