The editorial team advises you
While at this time of year the Earth exposes its southern hemisphere more to the sun, due to its natural inclination, the winter solstice represents in the northern hemisphere the moment when the sun is at its lowest level, it is that is, the sun will be at its lowest point in the sky. The sun's rays will illuminate us less. This phenomenon is extremely precise, calculated to the nearest second.
The winter solstice marks the start of the coldest days of the year
This is why the winter solstice does not always fall on December 21, although it is the most common date. Lags exist because of leap years and the rotation of the Earth, which circles the sun in 365.25 days. In 2023, for example, the winter solstice took place on December 22. As will be the case in 2027.
The editorial team advises you
December 21 therefore corresponds to the shortest day of the year. The day will last only 8h14 in Paris, while the night will last 15h46. Note that in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the day will be slightly longer than in the Capital. At the same time, the winter solstice marks a transition since the days will lengthen from Sunday.
The duration of sunshine will increase but as the sun's heat will be very weak, this indicator marks the entry into the coldest days of the year. This period will last until the beginning of February.
