Winter solstice
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in the UK.
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Next date
Monday, 21 December 2026
Winter solstice 2026
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Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Countdown | Region / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter solstice 2026 | Monday, 21 December 2026 | In 5 months | UK |
| Winter solstice 2027 | Wednesday, 22 December 2027 | In 1 year 5 months | UK |
| Winter solstice 2028 | Thursday, 21 December 2028 | In 2 years 5 months | UK |
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. In the UK it falls around 21 December. In London, the solstice day has roughly 7 hours 49 minutes of daylight. After this date, days begin to lengthen. Stonehenge aligns with the winter solstice sunset as well as the summer sunrise, and an annual gathering marks the occasion. The meteorological start of winter is 1 December.
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Verified 13 May 2026
Questions
When is the winter solstice in 2026?
It falls on 21 December 2026.
How short is the shortest day in the UK?
In London, around 7 hours 49 minutes of daylight at the solstice.
Do days get longer after the winter solstice?
Yes — from 22 December onwards each day gains a small amount of daylight until the summer solstice.
Is there a gathering at Stonehenge?
Yes — English Heritage hosts a solstice gathering at Stonehenge each year. Check their website for access details.