Summer 2025 Start Date | NBC Chicago
- While warmer weather is on the horizon, the official start of summer in Chicago is determined by either meteorological or astronomical standards.
- The summer solstice marks the point when Earth's pole reaches its maximum tilt toward the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year.
- Chicago will experience 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds of daylight on both June 20 and June 21, according to timeanddate.com.
Chicago’s astronomical summer officially kicks off on June 20, 2025, bringing the longest day of the year, as reported by NBC chicago. This year, the summer solstice arrives at 9:42 p.m. local time, promising Chicagoans a stunning 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds of daylight on June 20 and 21. Sunrise will be at 5:15 a.m., and sunset at 8:29 p.m., offering ample time to enjoy the gorgeous weather. The summer solstice is a key event, marking the start of the season and the peak of daylight hours. While meteorological summer begins in June, News Directory 3 explains that the astronomical summer is tied to the solstice. Discover how Chicago will embrace shorter days as we head towards autumn!
Chicago Summer Solstice 2025 brings Longest Day
Updated June 01, 2025
While warmer weather is on the horizon, the official start of summer in Chicago is determined by either meteorological or astronomical standards. Meteorological summer aligns with the start of June. Though, the astronomical summer, tied to the summer solstice, begins later in the month.
The summer solstice marks the point when Earth’s pole reaches its maximum tilt toward the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year. In 2025, the astronomical start of summer and the summer solstice will occur on June 20 at 9:42 p.m. local time.
Chicago will experience 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds of daylight on both June 20 and June 21, according to timeanddate.com. Sunrise will be at 5:15 a.m., and sunset will occur at 8:29 p.m. Days will gradually shorten after June 21.
Leading up to the summer solstice, Chicago will see a 5:14 a.m. sunrise for seven consecutive days, though sunset times will be slightly earlier.
What’s next
After the summer solstice, Chicago residents can expect gradually shorter days as the city moves toward autumn. The changing daylight hours will bring cooler temperatures and seasonal changes.