There are two solstices every year: one in June and one in December. The June solstice marks the longest day north of the equator. The 2026 Summer Solstice in Washington DC will be Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 4:24 am EDT.
- Sunrise: 5:43 A.M.
- Sunset: 8:37 P.M.
- Total Daylight: 14 hours and 58 minutes
Since the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth tilts toward the Sun in June, it receives more sunlight during the day. The greatest tilt of the North Pole toward the Sun is during the solstice, so this event marks the longest day of the year north of the equator.
The effect is more pronounced in locations that are farther away from the equator. In tropical areas, the longest day is slightly longer than 12 hours; in the temperate zone, it is significantly longer; and in places within the Arctic Circle the Sun does not set at all at night. This phenomenon of 24-hour daylight is known as Midnight Sun or polar day.
When the northern hemisphere is tilting closest toward the Sun, the Southern Hemisphere is leaning away from the Sun. The day of the June solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. The effect is greater further from the equator. Places within the Antarctic Circle experience polar night, when the Sun does not rise at all.
In the months leading up to the June solstice, the position of sunrise and sunset moves slowly northward. On the day of the solstice, it reaches its northernmost point. After appearing to remain fixed, the daily sky path of the Sun begins to move southward again. The solstices got their name from the Latin words sol and sistere, meaning "Sun" and "to stand still".
While the solstice happens every year, June 2026 features a rare bonus alignment in the evening sky. If you look west right after sunset during the solstice week, you will see a spectacular planetary parade featuring Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and a crescent Moon all clustered together in a tight, glowing celestial alignment.
The June solstice marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy our summer!