Until summer begins on June 21, 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 6:24 AM EDT
When Is Summer 2026?
Summer begins on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 6:24 AM EDT with the summer solstice. This astronomical event marks when the North Pole tilts closest to the Sun, creating the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
The summer solstice represents peak daylight hours. After this date, days gradually shorten until the winter solstice in December. However, temperatures continue rising into July and August due to thermal lag as the Earth's surface absorbs solar energy.
Understanding the Summer Solstice
The word "solstice" comes from Latin meaning "sun stands still." At this moment, the Sun appears to pause in its northward journey across the sky before reversing direction southward. This turning point has held cultural and agricultural significance throughout human history.
Daylight Hours by City
Summer solstice daylight varies by latitude:
- Anchorage, AK: 19 hours 22 minutes
- Seattle, WA: 16 hours
- New York, NY: 15 hours 6 minutes
- Los Angeles, CA: 14 hours 26 minutes
- Miami, FL: 13 hours 45 minutes
Planning Your Summer Vacation
Early planning helps secure better prices and availability. Book popular destinations 3-6 months ahead, especially for July travel when families take advantage of school breaks.
Booking Timeline
January-March: Research destinations and compare prices. Sign up for deal alerts from airlines and hotels. Many companies offer winter sales for summer travel.
April-May: Book flights and accommodations as prices typically rise approaching summer. Purchase travel insurance for expensive trips. Reserve rental cars early to avoid shortages.
June: Finalize details like restaurant reservations, activity bookings, and equipment rentals. Create packing lists and arrange pet care or house sitting.
Popular Destinations
Beach vacations: Coastal areas offer swimming, surfing, and relaxation. Visit in late June or early September to avoid peak crowds and prices while enjoying good weather.
National parks: Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Zion see peak visitation in July-August. Reserve campsites and lodging 6-12 months ahead. Arrive early morning for parking at popular trailheads.
Summer Outdoor Activities
Long daylight hours and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for outdoor recreation.
Water Activities
Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating are popular summer activities. Always wear properly-fitted life jackets when boating. Check water quality reports before swimming in lakes or rivers. Apply waterproof sunscreen 15-30 minutes before water exposure and reapply every 2 hours.
Hiking and Camping
Popular trails experience heavy traffic on summer weekends. Start hikes before 8 AM to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour of moderate activity. Learn to identify poison ivy and ticks common in summer months.
Heat and Sun Safety
Summer heat poses health risks, particularly during heatwaves when nighttime temperatures remain elevated.
Preventing Heat Illness
Stay hydrated by drinking water before feeling thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine which increase dehydration. Schedule outdoor activities for morning or evening hours. Take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning. Wear loose, light-colored, breathable clothing.
Recognize heat exhaustion symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, fast pulse, nausea, or fainting. Move to a cool location, drink water, and apply cool cloths. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
Sun Protection
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on all exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. Seek shade during peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Budget-Friendly Summer Ideas
Summer fun doesn't require expensive vacations. Creative planning maximizes enjoyment while stretching budgets.
Public beaches, hiking trails, and parks offer free recreation. Many museums have free admission days. Library programs include summer reading challenges with prizes, outdoor story times, and educational workshops for children and adults.
Consider staycations exploring local attractions. Camp in your backyard, visit nearby towns, or create outdoor movie nights with a projector. These activities provide summer enjoyment without travel costs.