When is first day of summer 2025? What’s the longest day of the year?

The summer solstice explained: Why the day is so long

The longest day of the year, otherwise known as the summer solstice, has fallen on June 21, marking the astronomical start to the season.

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Warm, sunny days are getting longer as the first day of summer draws near. Here’s what to know about the summer solstice in June and the longest day of the year.

Memorial Day weekend may have already kick-started the summer as school closings, graduations and summer vacations are swinging into full gear, but the official first day of summer is still days away.

When is the first day of summer 2025?

Friday, June 20, 2025, marks the first astronomical day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the summer solstice or June solstice and the longest day of the year.

When is the June solstice 2025?

The official start of the June solstice will occur at 10:42 p.m. ET. in the Northern Hemisphere. What does this mean?

When Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is as its maximum tilt (approximately 23.5 degrees from the celestial equator) toward the sun, it results in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year, according to the Almanac. And so, it receives sunlight at the most direct angle of the year.

The exact date can vary slightly between June 20 and 22 on any given year as it all depends on when exactly, the sun reaches its northernmost point from the celestial equator.

What is the summer solstice?

In the simpler terms, the June solstice, also known as the summer solstice, is when the sun reaches its highest and most northern points in the sky — in the Northern Hemisphere. Because it is quite opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where the summer solstice or December solstice will occur on Dec. 21.

For the last six months, the sun appeared to migrate on a northerly course in the sky and then at the moment of the solstice, the motion stops and then the sun will begin to move south, according to Space. The southern motion continues until the sun hits the lowest point below the equator and then stops again — marking the first day of winter or winter solstice.

The word solstice literally means “sun standing still.”

When is the longest day of the year? How long will it be?

Friday, June 20, 2025 will mark the longest day of this year, with approximately 15 hours 9 minutes of daylight.

To check how many hours of sunlight you’ll get and the sunrise/sunset times in your area, click here.

When is the winter solstice 2025?

Winter solstice 2025, which marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, will occur on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, 10:03 a.m. Eastern.

When is the shortest day of the year? How long will it be?

Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 will be the shortest day of this year, with approximately 9 hours 17 minutes of daylight.

To check how many hours of sunlight you’ll get and the sunrise/sunset times in your area, click here.