When Is The Longest Day
The longest day of the year is the summer solstice. Find the exact date in 2026.
Next occurrence of Longest Day
Sunday, 21 June 2026
Longest Day in 2026: Sunday, 21 June 2026
What is Longest Day?
The longest day of the year occurs on the summer solstice, approximately 21 June in the UK. This day has the maximum duration of daylight, often around 16 to 17 hours depending on latitude. The longest day marks the peak of summer and is celebrated in many cultures. After this day, the duration of daylight gradually decreases as autumn approaches.
Traditions
- •Outdoor festivals and celebrations
- •Beach visits and water activities
- •Evening events taking advantage of extended daylight
- •Picnics and barbecues
- •Sunrise and sunset viewing
- •Active outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling
- •Open-air concerts and performances
- •Garden parties and social gatherings
Fun Facts
- ✨In London, the longest day has approximately 16 hours 38 minutes of daylight
- ✨The longest day marks the summer solstice
- ✨After the longest day, daylight gradually decreases each day
- ✨Locations at higher latitudes experience longer days
- ✨The longest day is celebrated as midsummer in many Nordic countries
When is Longest Day 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 is the Longest Day?
The summer solstice - usually 20 or 21 June in the Northern Hemisphere. Astronomically it's the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the day with the most daylight hours. London on solstice: about 16 hours 38 minutes of daylight. Inverness: about 18 hours. Reykjavik (Iceland): about 21 hours.
The exact moment of solstice (when Earth's tilt is most directly toward the sun) varies by year, sometimes occurring on 20th, sometimes 21st June. Stonehenge attracts tens of thousands annually for sunrise on solstice day - the structure aligns with the solstice sunrise. After this date, days get progressively shorter until winter solstice.
Summer Solstice Reference
| Year | Date | Daylight (London) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 20 June | 16h 38min |
| 2025 | 21 June | 16h 38min |
| 2026 | 21 June | 16h 38min |
| 2027 | 21 June | 16h 38min |
| 2028 | 20 June | 16h 38min |
| 2029 | 20 June | 16h 38min |
| 2030 | 21 June | 16h 38min |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't the longest day on a fixed date?
Because Earth's orbit isn't exactly 365 days - it's 365.24 days. The solstice moment moves about 6 hours later each year, then leap years correct it back. Result: solstice falls on 20th or 21st June depending on year.
How long is the longest day in northern Scotland?
Inverness: about 18 hours of daylight. Shetland (further north): 19+ hours, with prolonged twilight - the sun barely sets and twilight persists almost continuously. Above the Arctic Circle, the 'midnight sun' means the sun doesn't set at all on the solstice.
Related Tools
When Does Summer Start
Summer (summer solstice) marks the astronomical start of summer. Find the exact date and time.
When Is The Shortest Day
The shortest day of the year is the winter solstice. Find the exact date in 2026.
Sunrise and Sunset Calculator
Find approximate sunrise and sunset times for any month and latitude. See day length, golden hour times for photography, and seasonal light patterns around the world.