Sunshine truly is the best remedy for just about anything—especially when paired with a refreshing cocktail and an assortment of our favorite summer desserts.
But while the first ray of sun that peeks through the clouds come spring may feel like a breath of fresh air, it often ends up being yet another fleck of false hope. So, when exactly is the first official day of summer? And how do the words "summer solstice" tie in? Essentially, we're looking for a concrete date (beyond the unofficial start of the sunshine season, Memorial Day weekend) that we can circle in bright yellow on our calendars.
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, 2024. It also happens to be the longest day of the year!
When is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice is actually the same thing as the "first day of summer," so it also takes 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—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.
Is it the same day every year?
Like Easter and Mother's Day, the first day of summer varies based on how long it takes for the earth to complete a full rotation around the sun. This is because the astrological year is 365 days and six hours compared to the standard calendar year, which is 365 days. In turn, this discrepancy causes us to have a Leap Day every four years, which shifts the start of summer between June 20 and June 22, depending on the year (at least in the Northern Hemisphere).
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. 😉
Josiah is the Digital Content Producer for the commerce team at Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine. He also writes for “BIO Buys”—a column on Biography.com—giving readers the lowdown on what products their favorite celebs are using. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com, where he sharpened his expertise on all things lifestyle, food-news, and entertainment. Outside work related matters, he’s a fan of Studio Ghibli films, unimportant reality TV drama, and melancholy Lorde songs.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
