Summer Solstice, 2026 - Sunset
Join us in the Gottlieb Transit Corridor at sunset (weather permitting) to mark the start of summer!
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Upcoming Equinox and Solstice Events at Griffith Observatory
Summer Solstice - Sunset
Griffith Observatory marks the start of summer in the northern hemisphere with a live online talk (weather permitting) focused on the setting Sun at 8:08 p.m., PDT. Observatory staff will discuss how the Sun’s changing path across the sky causes seasonal changes and determines where the Sun sets on the western horizon. Learn more about the seasons here.
Musical Accompaniment
We’re excited to announce this program’s musical performer soon. Please check back here for updates.
Seasons
Summer begins in Earth’s northern hemisphere at 1:24 a.m., PDT, on June 21. Winter begins in the southern hemisphere at the same time. The June/summer solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its maximum declination (23.5 degrees). This is when the northern hemisphere of Earth is tilted as far toward the Sun as possible during the year.
What is Summer?
From the summer solstice until the start of autumn – the autumnal equinox in September – days become shorter and the sunset point moves south along the western horizon. This happens because the Earth’s axis is tilted 23½ degrees to its orbit. June 21 is the longest day of the year.
