The shortest day of the year happens during the Winter Solstice, when the Northern Hemisphere gets the least daylight.
In 2024, this falls on Saturday, 21 December 2024.
It marks the official start of winter in many countries and happens because the Earth’s tilt positions one hemisphere farthest from the Sun.
People often ask what is the shortest day of the year because it changes slightly each year depending on leap years and time zones. For 2024, here’s what you need to know:
Quick Facts About the Shortest Day of the Year 2024
| Date (2024) | Hemisphere | Daylight Duration (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 December 2024 | Northern Hemisphere | 8–9 hours (varies by location) |
| 21 June 2024 | Southern Hemisphere | 8–9 hours (varies by location) |
| Next Occurrence | 21 December 2025 | Similar daylight pattern |
Daylight Duration: Approx. 9 hours and 15 minutes (may vary slightly by location).
Why Does the Shortest Day Happen?
The shortest day happens because the Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees on its axis. In December, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, making the Sun’s path across the sky shorter. This results in fewer daylight hours.
Shortest Day vs. Coldest Day
Many people think the shortest day is also the coldest day of the year, but that’s not true. Temperatures continue to drop after the solstice due to the seasonal lag, meaning the coldest days often happen in January or February.
Why Is the Shortest Day Important?
- Marks the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Traditionally celebrated in many cultures (e.g., Yule, Dongzhi Festival).
- Signals longer days ahead as Earth begins tilting back toward the Sun.
Shortest Day of the Year vs Longest Day
- Shortest day: Least daylight, winter begins.
- Longest day: Most daylight, summer begins (June in Northern Hemisphere).
When to Expect the Shortest Day in Future Years
- 2024: 21 December
- 2025: 21 December
- 2026: 21 December
FAQs
1. What is the shortest day of the year in 2024?
It’s on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. How many hours of daylight do we get on the shortest day?
Around 9 hours and 15 minutes of daylight (this can vary depending on your location).
3. Is December 21 always the shortest day of the year?
Usually, yes, but in some years it can be December 20 or December 22 due to the leap year cycle.
4. What happens after the shortest day of the year?
Daylight hours start increasing as we move toward the summer solstice.
5. Is the shortest day the same in the Southern Hemisphere?
No. In the Southern Hemisphere, December 21 is the longest day of the year.