Warmer weather has finally arrived in New York as each day grows minutes longer, leading up to the first official day of summer. Many are ready to bask in the sun, while others are preparing to retreat into air-conditioned sanctuaries.
Here is what to know about the start of summer in New York.
When is the first day of summer 2026?
The astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the longest day of the year, is Sunday, June 21, 2026, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Meteorological summer begins on June 1 and runs through the end of August, while astronomical summer is June 21 through Sept. 21, according to the almanac.
What is the summer solstice?
During the summer solstice, the sun is traveling along its northernmost path in the sky and the Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt toward the sun, the Almanac says.
This results in the Northern Hemisphere receiving the longest period of sunlight hours and the most direct angle of sunlight all year. It will begin at 10:42 p.m. EDT, according to the Almanac.
As the days go by, the amount of sunlight will decrease. This culminates with the winter solstice or the shortest day of the year. On the winter solstice, the Earth’s tilt is its farthest from the Sun.
How much daylight will New York cities get on the longest day of the year?
Here’s a look at how much sunlight some cities in New York will get on June 21, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac:
Find out how much sunlight you’ll get on the longest day of the year by using the Almanac’s sunrise and sunset calculator: almanac.com/astronomy/sun-rise-and-set.
What are the dates for the four seasons in 2026?
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When does summer start in NY? Here’s the date of the 2026 summer solstice
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
