Days Until the Winter Solstice 2026
The 2026 December solstice is on Monday, December 21, 2026, at 20:50 UTC. It is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest in the Southern Hemisphere.
What time is the solstice where you are?
| City | Local time |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Mon, Dec 21, 12:50 |
| New York | Mon, Dec 21, 15:50 |
| London | Mon, Dec 21, 20:50 |
| Jerusalem | Mon, Dec 21, 22:50 |
| New Delhi | Tue, Dec 22, 02:20 |
| Tokyo | Tue, Dec 22, 05:50 |
| Sydney | Tue, Dec 22, 07:50 |
Computed from 20:50 UTC with the IANA time zone database.
Why is it the shortest day of the year?
Earth's axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees. Around the December solstice, the Northern Hemisphere leans farthest from the sun, so the sun stays low and the day is shortest. The tilt causes the seasons, not the distance: Earth is actually closest to the sun in early January. (EarthSky)
Is the earliest sunset on the solstice?
No. The earliest sunset comes in early December and the latest sunrise in early January. The exact dates depend on your latitude. (EarthSky)
What happens at the poles?
On the December solstice the sun stays up for 24 hours at the South Pole and stays below the horizon at the North Pole. (EarthSky)
When is the Winter Solstice?
the Winter Solstice 2026
Monday, December 21, 2026
the Winter Solstice 2027
Wednesday, December 22, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the winter solstice always on December 21?
No. In UTC it falls on December 21 or 22, depending on the year (Wikipedia).
Do days get longer right after the solstice?
Yes. In the Northern Hemisphere, each day after the December solstice is a little longer than the one before.
How many days until the Winter Solstice?
There are 65 days until the Winter Solstice (Monday, December 21, 2026).
When is the Winter Solstice 2026?
the Winter Solstice 2026 is on Monday, December 21, 2026.
Related pages
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About the Data
Holiday dates are calculated using established algorithms and verified against official sources. Variable-date holidays (like Easter and Ramadan) use astronomical or tabular formulas. For religious observance, always confirm with your local authority. Read our full methodology.