Overview

• The summer solstice falls on Saturday, June 21, marking the start of astronomical summer and delivering the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day.
• Stonehenge’s ancient stones are aligned to the solstice sunrise and will be open from 7 pm on June 20 through 8 am on June 21 for traditional ceremonies.
• The Met Office forecasts temperatures above 30 °C across much of the UK over the solstice weekend, creating heatwave conditions even though the solstice does not bring the year’s highest temperatures.
• Global observances range from Sweden’s Midsummer Eve and Eastern Europe’s Ivan Kupala Night to mass yoga sessions across India.
• Daylight hours will vary sharply with latitude, offering nearly 19 hours of sun in Helsinki and almost 22 hours of daylight in Fairbanks, Alaska.