Every year we eagerly await the moment when we can officially say that summer has come. In particular, the first day of summer 2024 is a topic that is already of interest to many of us. This is not only a signal for the start of the holiday season, but also a moment that brings a change in the rhythm of day and night, heralding warmer and longer days. Understanding when exactly summer 2024 will start allows you to better plan your activities, holidays and surprises for your loved ones, so it is worth having this information in mind now.
When is the first day of summer 2024?
The first day of summer 2024 falls on June 20 , i.e. Thursday. This is a special moment because on this day we are dealing with summer solstice - the moment at which the Earth's rotation axis is maximally tilted towards the Sun. This means that there will be more than just June 20th the longest day of the year , but also astronomical summer will begin .
It is worth noting that the date of the first day of astronomical summer changes from year to year. It usually falls between June 20 and 22, and in leap years even one day earlier - between June 20 and 21. In 2024, the summer solstice and the first day of summer will fall on June 20.
How long is the longest day in 2024?
The longest day in 2024, on June 20, will last approximately 16 hours and 46 minutes . This is as much as 9 hours and 7 minutes longer than the shortest day of the year, which took place on December 22, 2023.
Of course, the length of the longest day of the year may vary slightly depending on the region of Poland. For example:
- In Jastrzębia Góra (northern Poland), the sun will rise at 4:07 and set at 21:28, which gives the longest day lasting 17 hours and 21 minutes.
- In Ustrzyki Górne (southern Poland), the sun will rise at 4:23 a.m. and set at 8:36 p.m., which means that the longest day will last 16 hours and 13 minutes.
Regardless of the location, June 20, 2024 will be the day when we will enjoy the longest amount of sunlight.
The shortest night in 2024
As the longest day of the year arrives, so does the shortest night . In 2024, the shortest night falls on June 20-21 and will last only 7 hours and 14 minutes .
This special night also has a name Kupala Night or Midsummer Night . This is a Slavic holiday related to the summer solstice, which in English is called "Midsummer". Traditionally, Kupala Night was celebrated as part of the water, sun and moon, and the Slavs celebrated harvest, fertility, joy and love at this time.
Although Christians took over this holiday, giving it a religious dimension as St. Jana, in Poland Kupala Night became established mainly in Mazovia and Podlasie. To this day, in many regions of the country, rituals are organized, such as collecting flowers and herbs, making wreaths, entering water or dancing around a bonfire.
Astronomical and calendar summer - differences
It's worth remembering that astronomical summer and calendar summer are two separate concepts, although often used interchangeably.
Astronomical summer begins at the summer solstice, i.e. June 20 or 21, when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky over the northern hemisphere. This is the time when the day is the longest and the night is the shortest in the whole year.
On the other hand calendar summer always starts on June 22, regardless of the position of the Sun. This is a conventional date set by people for the purposes of the calendar.
To sum up, the first day of summer 2024 falls on June 20 , when astronomical summer will begin and at the same time we will enjoy the longest day of the year. The calendar summer will start two days later, on June 22.
Summer Solstice - a magical moment of the year
The summer solstice is a special moment in the calendar that has fascinated people all over the world for centuries. For our ancestors, it was extremely important because it determined the rhythm of life and the seasons. The Slavs then celebrated Kupala Night, celebrating the forces of nature and believing that on this day the world is closest to the sacred.
Although today the summer solstice no longer plays such a key role in our lives, it is still a magical moment worth celebrating. Nothing can replace the joy of the longest day of the year, when we can enjoy the sun longer, spend time outdoors and enjoy the charms of summer.
Therefore, it is worth planning now how to spend this special time. Maybe a family picnic together? Or maybe a trip to the lake or the forest to look for flowers and weave wreaths? Or just relax on the terrace at sunset? Regardless of what we choose, June 20, 2024 will be a day full of joy and celebration of the arrival of the long-awaited summer.
Traditions related to the summer solstice
The summer solstice is not only the longest day of the year, but also a time full of magic and tradition. Rituals and customs related to this holiday go deep into Slavic culture, and many of them have survived to this day.
One of the most famous is Kupala Night , which falls on the eve of the summer solstice. The Slavs then worshiped harvest, fertility, joy and love, and the rituals were supposed to ensure their health and happiness for the coming year.
Traditionally, on this night, Slavs collected flowers and herbs, wreathed wreaths, entered the water, and danced and sang around the bonfire. It was believed that on this day nature is closest to the sacred and magical powers are the strongest.
Although today some of these customs may seem a bit exotic, it is still worth remembering them and cultivating them among your loved ones. Celebrating the summer solstice together is a perfect opportunity to stop for a moment, appreciate the beauty of nature and feel the magic of the upcoming summer.
How to celebrate the first day of summer 2024?
Regardless of whether you prefer traditional rituals or modern ways of spending time, first day of summer 2024 it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate the arrival of the long-awaited season.
You can organize a family or social picnic where you can enjoy summer delicacies, play outdoor games and admire the beauty of nature. Or maybe you prefer to go on a trip to the forest or to the lake to look for flowers and weave wreaths? This is a perfect way to feel the atmosphere of Kupala Night.
However, if an urban lifestyle suits you better, you can spend this special day in a café or restaurant with a terrace from where you can admire the sunset. Or organize a party on the roof or in the garden to celebrate the longest day of the year with friends.
Whatever you decide on, remember to make the most of this magical moment. Seize the moments, enjoy the beauty of nature and let the joy of summer take over your heart. Affirm a new beginning, celebrate abundance and let this special day be remembered forever.
Astronomical summer 2024 - when does it end?
Although the first day of summer 2024 falls on June 20, the astronomical summer lasts until September 22 . This is the moment when the autumn equinox occurs and the Sun crosses the equator, starting its journey to the southern hemisphere.
From September 22, the days will become shorter and the nights longer. This will be the last day when we can fully enjoy summer joys, such as long walks, evenings on the terrace or swimming in lakes and rivers.
Therefore, it is worth planning this time well and making the most of it. Maybe a trip to the mountains or the seaside together? Or maybe we will finally be able to organize that long-awaited family picnic? Regardless of what you decide, remember to fully immerse yourself in the magic of summer and celebrate this special time.
Welcome to summer 2024 - tips
Although the first day of summer 2024 falls on Thursday, June 20, it is worth considering how you want to celebrate it. Here are some inspiring ideas:
- Organize a family or social picnic - it's a perfect way to welcome summer together. Prepare summer delicacies, games and outdoor activities.
- Go on a trip to the forest or to the lake - look for flowers, weave wreaths and feel the magic of Kupala Night.
- Book a table in a restaurant or cafe with a terrace - enjoy summer dishes and admire the sunset.
- Organize a party on the roof or in the garden - invite your friends and enjoy the longest day of the year with your loved ones.
- Go to a concert or outdoor event - music and art are a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of summer.
Whatever you decide on, remember to make the most of your special day. Celebrate the arrival of summer, enjoy the beauty of nature and let the joy and energy of this day spread to you and your loved ones.