Winter Solstice 2024: Meaning, Date, Time, Shortest Day of Year
Winter Solstice 2024 will occur on Saturday, 21 December 2024, likely at 2:49 PM (IST). The Winter Solstice marks the day with the shortest daylight and the longest night.
Deeksha Dixit10 Sept, 2025
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The Winter Solstice is a unique astronomical event that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It holds cultural, historical, and scientific significance around the world. Winter Solstice 2024 date is Saturday, 21 December 2024.
The Winter Solstice is special, as on this day, the Sun is at its lowest p oint in the sky at noon. Keep reading to learn about the meaning, date, time, and effects of the Winter Solstice 2024.What is Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice occurs when one of Earth’s poles is tilted farthest from the Sun. This results in the l east amount of daylight for the year. The term "solstice" comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), indicating the apparent pause in the Sun’s movement. During the winter solstice, the Sun appears at its lowest point in the sky at noon. It is an important astronomical event and has been observed for thousands of years in various cultures. Festivals, rituals, and traditions across the world celebrate this phenomenon.
Winter Solstice 2024: Shortest Day of the Year
The Winter Solstice 2024 will occur on Saturday, December 21 . On this day, the Sun reaches its southernmost position in the sky for the Northern Hemisphere. It will result in the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year.- Date: December 21, 2024
- Time: The solstice is likely to occur at 2:49 PM in India (IST).
- Daylight Hours: Regions closer to the poles will experience fewer daylight hours.
Why Does Winter Solstice Happen?
The winter solstice happens because of the Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees. As Earth moves around the Sun, this tilt causes different regions to receive varying amounts of sunlight. In December, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in a lower angle and reduced intensity of sunlight. This leads to shorter days and cooler temperatures. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere experiences the summer solstice during this period.Effect of Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice affects not only the amount of sunlight a region receives but also influences weather patterns, plant life, and even cultural practices. The winter solstice impacts our environment, culture, and daily life in several ways:- Seasonal Change: After this day, the days gradually become longer as the Earth starts to tilt towards the Sun again.
- Temperature Variation : Leads to cooler temperatures due to less solar energy reaching the surface.
- Cultural Significance: Celebrations like Yule, Dongzhi, and Soyal occur during the solstice.
- Astronomical Observation : Provides an opportunity to study Earth’s tilt and orbit.
- Agricultural Practices: Historically, farmers used the solstice to plan the agricultural calendar.
Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice usually occurs on December 21 or 22. On this day, countries like the United States, Canada, and Europe experience their shortest day and longest night. As a result, these regions prepare for a long winter season. Cities in northern latitudes, such as Reykjavik, Iceland, and Stockholm, Sweden, see very little daylight during the solstice.Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere
While the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere signals the start of winter, in the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the start of summer. The Southern Hemisphere Winter Solstice happens around June 21 , which is the shortest day for countries like Argentina and South Africa.Difference Between Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice
While the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, the summer solstice marks the longest. The table below highlights their differences:| Difference Between Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice | ||
| Aspect | Winter Solstice | Summer Solstice |
| Meaning | Shortest day, start of winter. | Longest day, start of summer. |
| Date | December 21 or 22 | June 21 or 20 |
| Daylight Hours | Shortest day | Longest day |
| Night Duration | Longest night | Shortest night |
| Earth’s Position | Hemisphere tilted away from the Sun | Hemisphere tilted towards the Sun |
| Hemisphere Effect | Northern Hemisphere experiences winter; Southern experiences summer | Northern Hemisphere experiences summer; Southern experiences winter |
| Sun Cycle | Late sunrise, earliest sunset | Earliest sunrise, latest sunset |
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| Universal Health Coverage Day 2024 | UNICEF Foundation Day 2024 | World AIDS Day 2024 |
| National Pollution Control Day 2024 | International Civil Aviation Day 2024 | World Soil Day 2024 |
Winter Solstice 2024 FAQs
What is the date of the winter solstice in 2024?
The winter solstice in 2024 falls on December 21.
Why does the winter solstice happen?
It happens due to Earth’s axial tilt, which reduces sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which hemisphere experiences the longest night during the winter solstice?
The Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest night.
What's the shortest day in 2024?
December 21, 2024, marks the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere due to Winter Solstice.
What happens in the Southern Hemisphere during the winter solstice?
The Southern Hemisphere experiences its summer solstice with the longest day of the year.
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