When does summer start 2026? Here's the exact date summer officially begins in the UK - both astronomical and meteorological
Here is when summer begins in the UK in 2026, whether you’re following meteorological or astronomical definitions.
Warmer weather has creeping across Scotland in recent weeks, with many people around the country enjoying the sun.
The clocks have officially gone back for spring, but summer hasn’t quite arrived yet despite blue skies and warm temperatures.
There are still a few weeks to go until summer officially begins around the UK - though this will depend on how you measure the season, as there are two possible dates to consider.
When is Summer 2026?
If you live in the UK, there are two different answers about the exact first day of summer. Depending on what you believe, this could be either Monday, June 1 or Sunday, June 21.
This comes down to whether you follow astronomical or meteorological seasons, which are both defined differently.
When does astronomical summer start UK?
Defined by the summer solstice, astronomical summer begins on the longest day of the year. In 2026, this falls on Sunday, June 21.
This is the day when the sun is at its highest position in the sky, and changes yearly based on the Earth’s orbit. Last year, astronomical summer fell on Saturday, June 21.
Astronomical seasons are based on equinoxes and solstices throughout the year, though there is debate surrounding these positions and if they mark the beginning or middle of a season.
It is due to end on the day of the autumn equinox: Wednesday, September 23. This means that in 2026, summer is actually a day longer than it was in 2025.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
When does meteorological summer start 2026?
There is then the more simple meteorological summer, which will begin on Monday, June 1 2026.
Meteorologists define each season by a specific three month period, which makes it easier to track weather patterns across a year.
Therefore, meteorological summer covers from Monday, June 1 to Monday, August 31.
Following meteorological seasons, this means that autumn is from September to November, winter is from December to February, and that spring is from March to May, and this doesn’t change no matter the year.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.