When is Summer Solstice?
The Northern Hemisphere summer solstice falls around June 20–21, the longest day of the year. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, June 21, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Monday, June 21, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 252 days to go, which is about 36 weeks and 0 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 21 | Sunday |
| 2027 | June 21 | Monday |
A little history
The solstice is when the North Pole tilts closest to the sun. Ancient monuments like Stonehenge line up with the solstice sunrise, and thousands of people still gather there to watch it.
How people celebrate
Midsummer is a big deal in Scandinavia, with maypoles, flower crowns and late-night parties that barely get dark. In the US it's a nice excuse for an evening picnic. In Anchorage the sun is up for more than 19 hours.
Closures and practical notes
It's the start of astronomical summer, though weather-wise July and August are usually hotter because the oceans and land take time to heat up.
Planning tips
Astronomical seasons follow the Earth's position around the sun, so the exact moment can land on a slightly different date depending on your time zone. Meteorologists use simpler dates (the first of March, June, September and December) to make weather records easier to compare.
Changes in daylight affect sleep and mood more than most of us expect. Getting outside in the morning, keeping a steady bedtime and eating dinner at a regular time all help your body clock adjust.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Summer Solstice 2027?
Monday, June 21, 2027.
What day of the week is Summer Solstice in 2027?
It's a Monday (June 21, 2027).
What is the longest day of the year?
The June solstice, around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.