Get your sunscreen out, Californians. The first day of summer is Friday, June 20 — and it’s also the longest day of the year thanks to the summer solstice.
The change from spring to summer is marked by the solstice, and Californians can expect a sun that will rise early and set late on June 20. As we progress through summer and approach fall in September, the days will grow shorter. The pace of our decreasing daylight will happen slowly and start to speed up toward the first day of fall, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
It all leads up to the shortest day of the year, which is the winter solstice and marks the start of the winter season.
So, how long is the longest day of the year? It depends on where you are in California.
What is the summer solstice?
We have seasons because of how Earth is tilted on its axis as it orbits the sun, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is the exact moment each year when this region of Earth reaches its greatest possible tilt toward the sun,” according to NOAA.
The longest day of the year occurs with the summer solstice because all the sunlight we get.
When is sunrise and sunset on the first day of summer in California?
You can use Time and Date to determine how many hours of daylight you’ll get on June 20 by entering in your city.
For example, folks in Redding up in northern California will experience just over 15 hours of daylight. At the opposite end of the state, San Diegans will experience just over 14 hours of daylight.
Here’s when the sun will rise and set across California on June 20, according to Time and Date:
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How long is the longest day of the year in California? A solstice marks the start of summer
Reporting by Paris Barraza, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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