June in the Northern Hemisphere marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year north of the equator. Falling on June 20 this year, the day marks the start of the astronomical summer. It's the opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the shortest day of the year and winter will begin.
The word “solstice” comes from the Latin words sol for sun and stitium which can mean “pause” or “stop.” The solstice is the end of the sun's annual march higher in the sky, when it makes its longest, highest arc. From here on out, the days will get a little shorter every day until late December.
The summer solstice occurs because of a 23.5 degree tilt in Earth's rotational axis. The angle of this tilt is consistent all year round, and is currently fixed with the north celestial pole pointing close to Polaris, the current north star.
Thanks to this tilt, we experience the changing seasons, equinoxes and solstices—events that cultures around the world have celebrated for thousands of years. Some of humanity's most iconic ancient monuments, like Stonehenge and the Mayan Chichén Itzá Pyramid, were deliberately built to align with these seasonal markers.
The equinox is when there is an equal amount of day and night. During this time, Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get equal sunlight. This means that both the North and South Poles are lit by sunshine at the same time.
The Northern Hemisphere’s spring, or vernal, equinox typically occurs between March 19 and 21, depending on the year. Its fall, or autumnal, equinox can land between September 21 and 24.
In Sweden, people dance the Sma Grodorna (“The Little Frogs”) around a maypole decorated with flowers and leaves while wearing flower wreaths. This is the traditional way to celebrate Midsommar, an official holiday in Sweden. Revellers dress in traditional costumes, dance and play games at large parties. Family games (called femkamp) include sack races, croquet and kubb, which involves tossing sticks to knock down a collection of wooden blocks.
On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone of Stonehenge, creating an incredible alignment that people come from around the world to witness. The UNESCO World Heritage Site on Salisbury Plain in southern England has been modified many times over the years, but its sarsen stones, installed around 2500 BCE, still align with the sun’s movements.
In the state of Alaska, USA, the 118-year-old tradition of the Fairbanks Midnight Sun Baseball Game is observed. Teams play on the summer solstice each year, with the first pitch thrown around 10 PM. No artificial lighting is used—that far north, the sunlight lingers past midnight on the solstice. Fairbanks also hosts the Midnight Sun Festival (being held on June 21 this year), with 12 hours of celebration, featuring live music on three stages, vendors and an assortment of activities.
The summer solstice in Guatemala is an excellent time to observe present Mayan culture and get a glimpse into the country’s past. Tikal is one of Central America's most famous Mayan ruins, and rituals surrounding altars like the Temple of the Moon and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar take place around the summer solstice. Spiritual rituals from the past are still performed at sunrise and sunset, highlighting architectural aspects of the temples’ construction that were created to showcase the light of the solstice.
The midnight sun is a natural summertime phenomenon in which the sun never sets below the horizon, not even at midnight. It is visible from within the Arctic and Antarctic circles during their respective summer months. The closer you are to the North or South Pole during the summer, the longer you can expect to see the midnight sun.
The top places to see the midnight sun in 2025 are:
Reykjavík, Iceland: The country may be known for its dazzling displays of the northern lights during winter, but the extended summertime days transform the landscape. In Reykjavík, enjoy a late-night soak in the iconic Blue Lagoon or a local geothermal pool. Plan an evening hike to Öxarárfoss Waterfall in the nearby Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where soft solar rays turn the misty spray golden, or embark on a kayaking excursion in Faxaflói Bay.
Faroe Islands, Denmark: These islands have long attracted travellers with striking landscapes and picturesque towns. Hop on a ferry from the capital city of Tórshavn to the neighbouring island of Nólsoy for a hike to its notable lighthouse. Enjoy Faroese hospitality over dinner, or heimablídni, by sharing a meal with a local in their home. For dreamlike vistas, hike or drive to the Múlafossur waterfall on the island of Vágar, where you can enjoy the endless twilight.
St Petersburg, Russia: The country celebrates the midnight sun with an annual arts festival during the weeks surrounding the summer solstice in June. St Petersburg launches the celebration with fireworks, and the hosting of classical ballet and music performances in the city’s famous theatres and outdoor venues makes this the best time to visit.
Nuuk, Greenland: For those who want to get off the beaten path, there’s no better choice than Nuuk, which is accessible by international flight from Iceland and Denmark. Book a glacier and whale watching tour, try your hand at dog-sledding, or watch the perpetual sunset illuminate the colourful houses of the Myggedalen neighbourhood in a golden glow.
Tromsø, Norway: Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is one of Norway’s most famous spots for witnessing natural wonders—both the Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Between late May and late July, the sun stays above the horizon 24/7, bathing the city and its surrounding fjords in golden light.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)
