In the Northern Hemisphere, the June solstice (aka summer solstice) occurs when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. It marks the start of summer in the northern half of the globe.

What is the official start of summer?

When is the first day of summer? In the northern hemisphere this year, the first day of summer is Sunday, June 20, 2021. That's the same day as Father's Day—and just one day after Juneteenth—so we recommend celebrating all weekend.

Where is the sun located on the first day of summer?

When the summer solstice happens in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted about 23.4° (23°27´) toward the Sun. Because the Sun's rays are shifted northward from the Equator by the same amount, the vertical noon rays are directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23°27´ N).