The Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun: A Day That Never Ends

The Midnight Sun is a unique natural phenomenon that occurs in regions located beyond the Arctic Circle, both north and south. During the summer, in these areas, the Sun never fully sets, even at midnight, providing continuous daylight for 24 hours.

Why does the Midnight Sun occur?

The phenomenon is explained by the tilt of the Earth’s axis. During the boreal summer (May to July), the North Pole is tilted toward the Sun. In regions near the poles, this tilt allows the Sun to remain visible continuously, even when it appears to set on the horizon. The closer you get to the pole, the longer the duration of this phenomenon.

When to observe the Midnight Sun?

The Midnight Sun occurs during the boreal summer, between May and July, with maximum intensity around the summer solstice (June 21). The duration of the phenomenon varies depending on the latitude:

• At the Arctic Circle : only a few days around the solstice.
• Closer to the poles : several weeks to several months.