How the Summer countdown works
- The big number shows the days left until Summer; the boxes below count down the hours, minutes and seconds live.
- Tap Share, Download card or Story size to post the countdown, or Copy link to send it.
- Open Change the event to count down to something else, such as a party or trip.
When does summer start?
Astronomical summer in the northern hemisphere begins at the June solstice, on 20 or 21 June, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the day is longest. The countdown uses 21 June. Meteorologists use whole months instead, so meteorological summer starts on 1 June and runs to 31 August. In the southern hemisphere the seasons are reversed: summer starts at the December solstice (about 21 December), or 1 December meteorologically.
Students often count down to the last day of school instead; set your own date and name under "Change the event" and share it with friends. Daylight is longest around the solstice: in London about 16 hours 38 minutes, in New York about 15 hours 5 minutes.
FAQ
What is the first day of summer?
Astronomically 20 or 21 June (northern hemisphere); meteorologically 1 June.
When does summer start in Australia?
1 December meteorologically, or at the December solstice around 21 December.
Can I count down to the end of school?
Yes. Change the event name and date, then share the link.