Name: Summer Solstice 2026
Start: 2026-06-21T05:31:00+05:30
Location: New Delhi

Year

2026

Day Length

13h 59m

Longest daylight of the year — Dakshinayana begins

Peak Solstice

05:31 AM

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Sunrise

05:23

Solar Noon

12:22

77.5° Alt

Sunset

19:22

Sun's Path

Sunrise

05:23

Noon

12:22

77.5° Alt.

Sunset

19:22

Total Daylight Duration

13h 59m

Why the Summer Solstice Matters

Astronomical Significance

The Summer Solstice occurs when Earth's North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, reaching its maximum tilt of 23.5°. This astronomical event marks the moment when the Sun reaches its highest point in the Northern Hemisphere sky, directly over the Tropic of Cancer.

Tropical vs Sidereal

In tropical astrology, the Sun enters Cancer on this day. However, in Vedic (sidereal) astrology, Dakshinayana (Sun's southward journey) begins around mid-July. This ~23-day difference is due to the precession of equinoxes.

Cultural Connections

The Summer Solstice coincides with International Yoga Day (June 21), celebrating the ancient practice that connects body, mind, and spirit. Many cultures worldwide celebrate this day as a time of abundance, light, and spiritual significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summer Solstice 2026 occurs on June 20-21, with the exact moment varying by timezone. For New Delhi, the precise date and time are displayed above. This astronomical event marks when the Sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky, directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees North latitude.