When Is the Longest Day of 2025? What to Know About the Summer Solstice

Things are heating up all over the nation, and summer hasn’t even officially started yet.

The summer solstice is set to happen on Friday, June 20, and it will be the longest day and shortest night of 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS).

This solstice also signals the beginning of the Pagan festival known as Litha, or Midsummer, according to the Boston Public Library. This holiday marks the onset of summer and is celebrated with bonfires on hilltops and lively dancing.

As the summer solstice approaches, here’s everything you need to know about this significant event.

When does the summer solstice occur?

The summer solstice is scheduled for Friday, June 20, at 10:42 p.m. ET, as stated by Space.com.

What exactly is the summer solstice?

The summer solstice signifies the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Southern Hemisphere will welcome winter with its own winter solstice.

“According to NASA, the tilt of the Northern Hemisphere towards the Sun is at its peak on this day. This results in the Sun taking its longest and highest path across the sky throughout the year for those living north of the equator.”

On the summer solstice, this tilt positions the Earth’s northernmost point nearer to the sun, leading to an increase in sunlight. However, the solstice itself is a fleeting moment, as noted by the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

When does the summer solstice typically occur?

The summer solstice can take place anytime between June 20 and June 22, varying by year, as stated by the NWS.

In 2024, the solstice occurred on Thursday, June 20.

Celebrations of the solstice at Stonehenge

Various locations worldwide are renowned for their solstice celebrations, with Newgrange in Ireland being one of them. Solstices are frequently linked to pagan traditions and attract participants from diverse faiths.

One of the most notable solstice events is held at the ancient ruins of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, where many gather to welcome the new season.

Thousands of pagans flock to Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument constructed between approximately 3100 and 1600 BC. It stands as one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, yet little is known about the civilization that created it or their motivations, as these ancient peoples left no written documentation.

Numerous theories have been proposed regarding the initial purpose of Stonehenge, such as the following:

A burial ground
An astronomical observatory
A site for religious worship
A symbolic gesture
A location for rituals or healing

Nonetheless, it has inspired a wealth of myths, tales, and folklore.

In the 20th century, Stonehenge gained religious importance for individuals who embraced New Age beliefs, including Neopaganism and Neo-Druidism, as report. When it was built, the stone circle was oriented towards the sun, and even today, thousands gather to witness the moment when the sun perfectly aligns with its pillars.