As the chill of June settles in, Australians are about to experience the darkest week of the year—and no, we’re not talking about the footy results.
The winter solstice is upon us, marking the official turning point of the season and bringing with it the shortest day and longest night of 2025.
For those needing a quick refresher, the winter solstice is when the Earth’s southern hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun.
This year, it falls on Saturday, 21 June. On this day, the sun will trace its lowest and shortest arc across the sky, giving us the least daylight we’ll see all year.
But it’s not just a single day—the three days before and after the solstice combine to create a week with the least daylight hours, according to Weatherzone.
So, from 18 June to 24 June, you might reach for the light switch a little earlier than usual.
Here’s a quick look at when you can expect the sun to rise and set in our major capitals during the solstice:
- Sydney: Sunrise at 7:00 am, sunset at 4:54 pm
- Melbourne: Sunrise at 7:35 am, sunset at 5:08 pm
- Brisbane: Sunrise at 6:37 am, sunset at 5:02 pm
- Adelaide: Sunrise at 6:53 am, sunset at 4:42 pm
- Hobart: Sunrise at 7:42 am, sunset at 4:43 pm
- Canberra: Sunrise at 7:42 am, sunset at 4:58 pm
- Darwin: Sunrise at 3:36 am, sunset at 6:00 pm
If you’re in Hobart, you’ll be experiencing the shortest day of all the capitals, while Darwin, closer to the equator, barely notices the solstice.
Why does the solstice happen?
The solstice is all about the Earth’s tilt. As our planet orbits the sun, it’s tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees.
In June, the southern hemisphere leans away from the sun, making the days shorter and the nights longer.
Six months later, the roles reverse, and it’s the northern hemisphere’s turn for winter.
You can spot the solstice by watching the sun’s path—it will appear at its lowest point in the sky at noon, casting long shadows and giving us that unmistakable wintery feel.
Here’s the good news: the days will slowly lengthen again after the solstice. It might not be noticeable at first, but each sunrise will come a little earlier, and each sunset a little later. It’s a subtle but hopeful sign that spring is, eventually, on its way.
How to make the most of the darkest week
While it’s tempting to hibernate, the winter solstice is a great time to embrace the season. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the long nights:
- Get cosy: Light candles, pull out your favourite blanket, and enjoy a good book or movie.
- Cook up a storm: Winter is the perfect time for hearty soups, slow-cooked stews, and classic puddings.
- Connect with others: Invite friends or family for a solstice dinner or a board game night.
- Stargaze: With the sun setting early, it’s an excellent opportunity to look up and enjoy the night sky—you might even spot the Milky Way in all its glory.
Many cultures worldwide celebrate the winter solstice as a time of renewal and reflection. It’s a chance to pause, take stock, and look forward to the gradual return of the light. Whether you mark the occasion with a quiet moment or a lively gathering, it’s a reminder that brighter days are ahead even in the darkest week.
How do you cope with the long winter nights? Do you have any solstice traditions or tips for making the most of the season? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—let’s brighten up the darkest week together!
Also read: Slash your heating bills and stay cosy all winter—here’s how
