When it’s a summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun appears directly over the Tropic of Cancer, the latitude line at 23.5 degrees North.

You can also think about solstices in terms of where on Earth the sun appears. Likewise, during the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice-which always falls around December 22-the Southern Hemisphere gets its summer solstice. During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice-which always falls around June 21-the Southern Hemisphere gets its winter solstice. The hemisphere tilted most toward our home star sees its longest day, while the hemisphere tilted away from the sun sees its longest night. On two moments each year-what are called solstices-Earth's axis is tilted most closely toward the sun.

The Southern Hemisphere's seasons are reversed. From September to March, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away, so it feels like autumn and winter. From March to September, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted more toward the sun, driving its spring and summer. This tilt drives our planet's seasons, as the Northern and Southern Hemispheres get unequal amounts of sunlight over the course of a year. Solstices occur because Earth’s axis of rotation is tilted about 23.4 degrees relative to Earth's orbit around the sun. ( Here's the difference between astronomical and meteorological seasons.) What are solstices? So what exactly are solstices-and how have they been celebrated throughout history? Here’s all you need to know. However, today’s meteorologists officially use temperature records instead to draw lines between the seasons.

Traditionally, summer and winter solstices helped mark the changing of the seasons-along with their counterparts, the spring and autumnal equinoxes. Solstices occur at the same time around the world, but their local times vary with time zones. South of the Equator, this same moment marks the unofficial beginning of winter. When you’re in Georgia, you can experience the wonders of the seasons without extreme conditions – a great thing for business, travel, or living.This year, the northern summer solstice falls on June 21 at 5:13 a.m. Our summers are warm, our autumns brisk and sunny, our winters mild and our springs are blooming with dogwoods and azaleas.

To the north, the Mountains region experiences light snowfall several times a year while other regions, especially those south of the Atlanta Metro, rarely see snow. Georgia receives 40-50” of rain per year. With the highest summer temperatures averaging below 88 degrees and the lowest winter temperatures averaging well above freezing at around 50 degrees, Georgia’s moderate climate offers excellent livability year-round. Georgia enjoys a temperate climate that varies from the foothills of the Appalachians to the beaches of our barrier islands. Generally, temperature doesn't reach 20 or below till mid December - lower in January - chance of a snow covering, but won't go below 0 - warms around mid April.this has been my experience.Take care !!

When does winter start