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When is the winter solstice?
Monday, 21 December 2026 · 20:50 GMT
The winter solstice 2026 is on Monday, 21 December 2026 — that's 121 days from today. It happens at 20:50 GMT.
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Happening now
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and the point the evenings start drawing out again.
How the date is worked out
The moment the northern hemisphere is tilted furthest from the Sun — usually 21 or 22 December.
The winter solstice dates
| Year | Date | Day | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 21 December | Saturday | 20 months ago |
| 2025 | 21 December | Sunday | 8 months ago |
| 2026 | 21 December | Monday | in 4 months |
| 2027 | 22 December | Wednesday | in 16 months |
| 2028 | 21 December | Thursday | in 2 years |
| 2029 | 21 December | Friday | in 3 years |
| 2030 | 21 December | Saturday | in 4 years |
| 2031 | 22 December | Monday | in 5 years |
Frequently asked
How many days until the winter solstice?
121 days — Monday, 21 December 2026.
Which day of the week does the winter solstice fall on in 2026?
Monday.
Is the winter solstice always on the same date?
The moment the northern hemisphere is tilted furthest from the Sun — usually 21 or 22 December.
When is the winter solstice in 2027?
Wednesday, 22 December 2027.
When was the winter solstice in 2025?
Sunday, 21 December 2025 — 8 months ago.