Overview
- Meteorological summer began on June 1 under meteorological reckoning while astronomical summer officially started at the solstice on June 21 at 04:41 UTC.
- Astronomers use the solstice—when the sun stands directly over the Tropic of Cancer—as the calendar’s summer starting point.
- Because the astronomical onset does not align with local seasonal development everywhere, the Northern Hemisphere divides summer into early, high and late phases.
- Scandinavian communities held traditional Midsommar celebrations with flower wreaths and large bonfires while German regions marked Johannisfest with sun rites and fires.
- Across Europe the solstice continues to carry religious and historical weight as groups honor the sun with music, dancing and communal meals.