El Summer Solstice It is one of the most notable astronomical moments of the year and marks the official arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, this phenomenon will occur on 20 June, toasting the day with more hours of light and the shortest night of the year for millions of people. Although it marks a seasonal change, it actually holds scientific curiosity and a wealth of cultural value that goes beyond the merely meteorological.
Since ancient times, People from all over the world celebrate this event with rituals, festivals, and events that seek to connect with nature. The solstice is also a perfect opportunity to reflect on the passage of time, enjoy outdoor social activities, and better understand how our planet's position relative to the sun influences life on Earth.
What is the summer solstice really and how does it happen?
The term solstice comes from Latin and literally means "stopped sun". It refers to the specific moment in which the Sun reaches its highest apparent height above the horizon and it appears that its movement stops before reversing its daily direction. This event occurs due to the tilt of the earth's axis, which is inclined 23,44 degrees to the plane of its orbit around the Sun. As a result, as the Earth revolves around the star, the distribution of light and heat It is not the same for both hemispheres.
During the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, the Sun is directly overhead. Tropic of Cancer —located at latitude 23,5° north—, thus reaching its highest point in the sky at noon and allowing that day to have the greater number of hours of sunlightMeanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, the opposite is happening: it's the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year.
What's more, although it is often thought that the Earth is closer to the Sun during the summer, the reality is just the opposite: our planet is slightly farthest from the sun in July (aphelion), while in January it is at its closest point (perihelion). Therefore, The tilt of the axis is primarily responsible for the seasons, and not the distance to the star.
When and what time is the summer solstice in 2025?
Although many people associate the summer solstice with June 21, the date can actually range from June 20 to June 22 depending on the year and time zone. 2025, the phenomenon occurs on Friday 20 JuneThe exact time varies depending on your location:
- Madrid: 22:50 hours
- Mexico: 20:42 hours
- Miami: 16:50 hours
- London: 21:50 hours
- The Angels: 13:50 hours
This moment marks the official start of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere. From then on, the days will slowly begin to shorten until the winter solstice in December.
Why is it celebrated and what traditions exist around the solstice?
El Summer Solstice has fascinated civilizations for thousands of years, giving rise to festivals, rituals and ceremonies that blend astronomy, agriculture, spirituality, and folklore. Ancient European cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans, dedicated offerings to gods like Cronus and Vesta to pray for good harvests and family prosperity. In Ancient Egypt, the position of the sun during the solstice aligns with monuments like the pyramids, indicating their symbolic and astronomical significance. To learn more about the different celebrations, you can visit our article on winter solstice.
In the English-speaking world, Stonehenge is probably the most iconic example: thousands of people—including modern druids and followers of pagan religions—gather at dawn to witness the sun's rays pass through the ancient stones in near-perfect alignment. Beyond Europe, Native American cultures have marked the event with dances and tribal gatherings, such as the Sun Dances among the Sioux or the ceremonies at the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming.
Nowadays, Modern celebrations blend the ancient and the contemporaryIn Sweden, Midsommar is celebrated with flower wreaths and dancing around the "midsommarstång." In cities like New York, yoga in Times Square welcomes summer with crowded outdoor classes. Parties, bonfires, and sports activities designed to harness the light and energy of this special day are also common.
Scientific curiosities and frequently asked questions about the solstice
The longest day of the year does not mean that the longest day of the year is coming. no earlier sunrise or later sunsetIn fact, the earliest sunrise typically occurs a few days before, and the latest sunset a few days after, the solstice. This is due to the way the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun affect day length throughout the year. For more details, see our article on the day with the most hours of sunshine.
In addition, in areas close to the Arctic Circle The so-called "midnight sun" occurs: for days or weeks, the sun never sets, and natural light can be enjoyed 24 hours a day. In contrast, in the southern hemisphere, this day marks the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year.
Events and activities to experience the summer solstice
The solstice is a good opportunity to enjoy Outdoor Activities and see how different cities celebrate this special day. For example, in Boston, the arrival of summer is celebrated with a wide variety of activities: from museum tours and live music to yoga classes, street parties, and group meditation sessions. In other parts of the world, picnics, bonfires, and traditional dances turn this holiday into a true tribute to light, nature, and community.
This event continues to be a significant moment in cultural and astronomical calendars. Millions of people take advantage of this day to reconnect with their surroundings, enjoy the light, and appreciate how the Earth's movement influences our lives.
