The summer solstice marks the start of the official summer and brings the longest day of the year. Credits: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
When is the summer solstice in 2025?
It’s a moment that marks the true arrival of summer and the longest day of the year, the solstice of summer. For people in the Northern Hemisphere, the 2025 solstice will occur in Spain at 4:42am on June 21st (10:42pm on EDT, 2:42am GMT).
What is the summer solstice actually?
Simply put, the summer solstice is when the Earth’s Arctic tends to be closest to the Sun. This tilt (approximately 23.5 degrees) provides a shift season. On this day, the sun appears at the highest point in the sky from the tropical Cancer, and begins another slow journey.
The word “sorstice” comes from the Latin words: sol (Sun) and Sistere (to stand still). For several days around bliss, the path of the sun appears to be pausing at the farthest point in the north before returning in the opposite direction.
How much sunlight do you get?
It depends on where you are!
- Equator: Day and night are almost the same all year round. Each is 12 hours.
- Northwest Europe (like Madrid and Rome): Expect approximately 15 hours of sunlight.
- Above the Arctic: The sun has not set at all, the legendary midnight sun.
Why is the summer solstice important?
For centuries, bliss has been a reason to celebrate. Cultures around the world, especially Scandinavia, host midsummer festivals, light bonfires and all-night parties. In places like Sweden and Norway, “Midsummer Day” (June 24th) is a bigger deal than the official summer first day!
In England, crowds gather at Stonehenge and watch the sun rise in perfect alignment. For many, it is a spiritual moment. This is an annual turning point that marks the beginning of a sunny season.
Is the solstice always on the same day?
There is not at all. The exact date can be shifted between June 20th, 21st or 22nd, depending on the year. That’s because our calendar doesn’t fit exactly to the year of the sun. Earth takes more than 365 days to orbit the sun, so it takes years to catch up.
Why is there a season?
It all depends on the tilt of the earth. If the planet is not tilted, every day will be the same length everywhere. But thanks to that 23.5 degree lean, we get a mix of longer and shorter days, and of course, four seasons, which are constantly changing.
Science Bit: What happens in bliss?
In bliss, the sun is directly above the tropical of cancer. If you track the midday sun every year, you will see it create eight strange patterns called ananma. The highest point of that curve marks the summer solstice, with the lowest being the winter solstice.
The name says it all: “The sun is still.” Around the bliss, it appears that the sun is paused before it reverses its direction. It’s a subtle, magical moment. It shows the passage of time for people all over the world.
in short:
- The summer solstice of 2025 will fall into the Northern Hemisphere on June 21st.
- Thanks to the tilt of the earth, it is the longest day of the year.
- People celebrated this moment for centuries by pursuing festivals, ceremonies and a bit of sun.
- Wherever you are, bliss is a reminder to enjoy the sunlight. And I look forward to the long warm days that follow.
Get ready for the final Raysummer to officially soak up here!
