Summer solstice, Saturday, June 21: The longest day and the beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere

Arab Weather - Saturday, June 21, 2025, marks the summer solstice in all Arab countries, as well as most countries in the Northern Hemisphere, such as North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This astronomical event marks a pivotal moment of the year, marking the beginning of astronomical summer and the peak of daylight hours.

The longest day and shortest night of the year

With the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest day and shortest night of the year, due to the Earth's axis being tilted most toward the sun. On this day, the sun's rays are more concentrated and perpendicular to the tropics, resulting in significantly longer periods of sunshine, especially in areas north of the equator.

Peak tilt of the Earth towards the Sun

At this time of year, the Earth's axis is tilted at its greatest angle toward the sun, specifically toward the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N). This causes the sun to appear highest in the sky at noon, especially in areas around the tropic. This results in longer daylight hours and a gradual rise in temperatures in the following weeks.

The beginning of summer astronomically

Although the meteorological definition of summer begins on June 1 of each year, the astronomical beginning of summer is determined by the summer solstice, which marks the sun's maximum apparent northward tilt. This event officially marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, while winter begins in the Southern Hemisphere.

The sun never sets in the north... and eternal darkness in the south

Areas north of the Arctic Circle experience the midnight sun, where the sun never sets and remains bright for 24 hours. In contrast, areas south of the Antarctic Circle experience a period of continuous polar night, where the sun never rises on this day until September 22.

The beginning of the sun's apparent journey southward

Starting on June 22, the sun begins its apparent journey of gradually returning south during sunrise and sunset, a slow movement that continues until the winter solstice on December 21, when the exact opposite occurs: the shortest day and longest night of the year.