While Rochester has seen quite a few hot days already this year, astronomical summer doesn’t officially start until Sunday, June 20, at 11:31 p.m.

This year, it also happens to fall on the day the calendar reserves to celebrate dads.

What You Need To Know

  • Summer officially begins on June 20 as opposed to meteorological summer, which began on June 1

  • This year, we'll share the first day of summer with Father's Day

  • The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, with over 15 hours of daylight

Not only did we manage to reach the 80s seven times and 90 degrees once already this month, but we also saw seven 80-plus degree days in May. We even tied the record high of 88 degrees on May 25, which was last set in the year 2012.

Even though it had more of a summery feel, with quite a bit of humidity mixed in at times, it is still spring. Often, Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial start to the summer season, but the summer solstice doesn’t take place for a few more weeks, occurring around June 21.

The summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s North Pole tilts closest to the sun. Because of Earth’s tilt, the sun also appears at its highest point in the sky on this day, landing directly over the Tropic of Cancer. 

For us in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s also the longest day of the year (most daylight hours). This year in Rochester, the sun will rise at 5:30 a.m. and set at 8:53 p.m., giving us around 15 hours and 23 minutes of daylight.

People celebrate the kickoff to summer not only here, but all over the world. For some, it comes with traditions or festivals. 

There is a fun experiment that many people like to try on the summer solstice. Right at noon, you’ll find that your shadow is the shortest it will be all year, and for those directly on the Tropic of Cancer (23° 26’ north), the sun will be directly overhead at a 90-degree angle, thus casting no shadow at all. Pretty cool, right?!

Following the summer solstice, the number of daylight hours each day will gradually start to go down. This will eventually lead to the Autumn Equinox, which will occur on Wednesday, September 22, at 3:20 p.m. 

Even though this is the beginning of astronomical fall, Labor Day weekend is considered by most to be the end of summer. This is because, at least for us here in Rochester, it’s typically the last weekend before the start of school for kids.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a fun, not too warm, sun-filled summer with my family as we embark on a lot of outdoor adventures.

Have a fun and safe summer, and don’t forget the sunscreen!​