Mark Your Calendars: Here’s When Summer Officially Starts in 2024
After a grueling winter, summer is on everyone's mind! We're looking forward to breaking out the shorts, sipping on refreshing cocktails, and indulging in our favorite summer desserts.
As you count down the days on the calendar, you might find yourself asking: When exactly is the first day of summer? And what do the words "summer solstice" have to do with it all? Sure, we know Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to the sunniest season, but we're looking for a more concrete date—something we can go ahead and circle on our planners.
Good news: There really is such a date. And while it does change from year to year, it's still a good idea to try and keep track of what this year's date is. Ahead, we're sharing the answer to the age-old question of "When does summer start?" in the hopes that it makes your countdown to summer that much easier. After all, there are few things better than diving into a crystal-clear pool with friends all around... and the solstice is an excellent excuse to host a party involving exactly that scenario. Cheers to summertime!
When does summer start in 2024?
Hope you've got your pencils ready and your calendars out: The first day of summer in North America is Thursday, June 20. It also happens to be the longest day of the year!
In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice (aka summer solstice) occurs when the Sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. This marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe. (In the Southern Hemisphere, it's the opposite: the June solstice marks the astronomical start of winter.)
When is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice is actually the same thing as the "first day of summer," so you can expect it, too, to take place on Thursday, June 20. Specifically, it'll occur at 4:50 p.m. EST. But if you're still confused about what the solstice really is, here's your answer: In the Northern Hemisphere, the June or summer solstice refers to the astronomical start of summer when the Earth and Sun are in relation such that the North Pole is tilted toward the sun at its most extreme angle. The result? A very long day—the longest of the whole year, in fact!—and a super short night.
Of course, things are a little different in the Southern Hemisphere, where this same June solstice marks the beginning of the winter season.
No matter where you're reading this from, we hope the next three months until when summer ends and the first day of fall are just as wonderful as you're hoping they'll be. Stay warm—or cool!—and enjoy some barbecue either way. 😉
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