The days have progressively been getting longer over the last couple of months, and with the sun now setting late into the evening, we are quickly approaching the longest day of the year. The longest day, commonly referred to as the summer solstice, marks the 'longest day' and 'shortest night' of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, this day falls in June and signifies midsummer.
What Is the Summer Solstice?
While most people consider the summer solstice to be a day, it is actually a specific moment that occurs on the longest day of the year. For the UK, the summer solstice is the point when the Northern Hemisphere is most tilted toward the sun. This moment is celebrated by many different cultures and societies worldwide, often associated with themes of renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light over darkness. For example, Midsummer celebrations in Scandinavia and the UK include bonfires, dancing, and feasting. In the UK, many people gather at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice. Although it is not clear if marking the solstice was the original purpose of Stonehenge, the stones are aligned to frame the rising sun on the solstice.
When Is the Longest Day of the Year?
This year, the summer solstice will fall on Sunday, June 21. In the UK, the summer solstice will occur at 9:24 a.m. BST, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.
Sunrise and Sunset Times on the Longest Day
The exact times for sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice depend on your specific location. On June 21, 2026, the approximate times for sunrise and sunset in London, according to the Met Office, are:
- Sunrise: 4:43 a.m.
- Sunset: 9:21 p.m.
On June 21, 2026, the approximate times for sunrise and sunset in Manchester, according to the Met Office, are:
- Sunrise: 4:40 a.m.
- Sunset: 9:41 p.m.
The summer solstice is a time of celebration and reflection, marking the peak of daylight before the days gradually begin to shorten again.
