Northern Hemisphere Welcomes the Summer Solstice
Friday marks the 2025 summer solstice, signalling the beginning of astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere. This year, the solstice officially occurs at 2:42 UTC on 21 June. That corresponds to the following local times across Canada: 12:12 a.m. NDT, 11:42 p.m. ADT, 10:42 p.m. EDT, 9:42 p.m. CDT, 8:42 p.m. CST/MDT, and 7:42 p.m. PDT.
The solstice represents the Sun’s highest position in the sky for the year. As the Earth orbits the Sun, its 23.4° axial tilt causes the Sun to appear higher or lower in the sky each day. This tilt produces changing solar angles and daylight lengths, resulting in seasonal shifts.
What happens during the summer solstice?
Understanding the Solstice and Solar Motion
The word solstice derives from the Latin solstitium, meaning ‘Sun stoppage’. On the solstice, the Sun appears to pause at its northernmost or southernmost point before reversing direction. In June, it reaches its most northerly sunrise and sunset positions and travels its highest path through the sky.
Across the months, the Sun’s daily path shifts slightly. Between late December and late June, the sunrise and sunset positions move northward and the arc of the Sun climbs higher. After June, that trend reverses and the Sun’s arc gradually descends until the December solstice.
Figure 1: Earth’s journey around the sun
Canada’s Rare Two Longest Days
In 2025, an unusual occurrence accompanies the summer solstice. Some Canadians will experience two identical longest days. The Sun reaches its highest point during daylight hours on 20 June, but the actual solstice occurs late at night or after midnight, depending on the time zone.
For residents from eastern and northern Ontario to the Atlantic provinces, the 20th and 21st will have equal daylight durations. This includes Ottawa, North Bay, Timmins, Bainsville, and all communities in Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
For the rest of the country, 21 June will be only one second shorter than the 20th. Above 66° latitude, in the Arctic Circle, communities will experience 24 hours of daylight.
Visualising the Sun’s Journey
Photographer Bret Culp captured the Sun’s arc over six months using pinhole cameras placed at The Weather Network’s headquarters. These cameras recorded solargraphs showing the Sun’s daily passage from the 2023 summer solstice to the 2023 winter solstice.
The upper arcs in the image reflect the summer solstice period while the lower ones correspond to winter. Breaks in the arcs signal cloudy days. Culp explained the colouring comes from overexposure, paper chemical reactions, and environmental effects inside the camera.
Figure 2: A solargraph from June 20 through December 20, 2023
Why Seasons Happen
The Earth’s axial tilt remains fixed at 23.4°, always pointing the North Pole towards Polaris. As Earth orbits the Sun, the hemispheres alternately tilt towards or away from the Sun. This causes the Sun’s apparent movement in the sky, changing the angle and intensity of sunlight at different times of year.
During northern summer, locations like Winnipeg receive sunlight at steeper angles. This means solar energy concentrates over smaller ground areas, resulting in more heating. In winter, the lower angle spreads the same energy across a wider area, producing colder conditions.
Historical Connections to the Solstice
Ancient structures like Stonehenge in England, Karnak in Egypt, and Chichén Itzá in Mexico align with solstice positions. Civilisations tracked the Sun’s motion to develop calendars, mark seasons, and conduct rituals. These monuments still attract crowds during solstices and equinoxes.
At Stonehenge, observers gather annually to witness the sunrise align with the ‘Heel Stone’. Frank Somers, representing the Amesbury and Stonehenge Druids, once said, “If you turn up at the changes between the seasons and observe that change, you can become better attuned to those cycles in yourself, and you’re a part of them.”
Solstice Celebrations Around the World
In Sweden, midsummer celebrations on 20 June involve traditional food, singing, and flower-adorned gatherings. The event ranks in national importance alongside Christmas.
Visitors enjoy pickled herring, new potatoes with sour cream, and flavoured schnapps. Dances around maypoles and day-long festivities highlight the summer solstice as a cultural milestone.
Midnight Sun Game in Alaska Reaches 120th Year
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the solstice is marked by the 120th Midnight Sun Game on 20 June. The Alaska Goldpanners face off against the Anchorage Glacier Pilots in a game that begins at 10 p.m. and ends after 1 a.m.
Thanks to continuous sunlight, no artificial lighting is required. The game, first played in 1906, began as a bet between local bars and has since become an annual tradition.
Explore Fairbanks noted, “The ‘high noon at midnight’ classic is played entirely without the use of artificial light.” The event stands as a unique example of how natural light can shape traditions.
Observing Nature’s Rhythms on the Solstice
The 2025 summer solstice highlights Earth’s complex relationship with the Sun. From dual longest days in eastern Canada to ancient solar alignments and modern sporting traditions, the solstice links astronomy, culture, and climate.
People across the globe will celebrate nature’s cycles, mark seasonal transitions, and witness the longest day of the year in unique and memorable ways.
