As we enter into the iciest depths of winter (atleast by Australian standards), the days have begun feeling depressingly short.
Waking before sunrise and departing work in darkness, we’re officially close to the Australian winter solstice, also known as the shortest day of the year.
Ever the optimists, we like to look on the bright side – morning sun or no – and consider the solstice a turning point. Literally.
On June 21, the earth will reach its furthest most axis from the sun marking the winter solstice. So, the days are only set to get sunnier from here.
When Is The Winter Solstice In Australia?
Australia’s winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere and falls on June 21st in 2025.
Depending on where you live, the length of the shortest day of the year varies – the further south you are, the shorter your length of daylight. See exact timings, below.
- Sydney: 7am-4:53pm (9 hours and 53 minutes)
- Melbourne: 7:35am-5:08pm (9 hours and 32 minutes)
- Canberra: 7:12am-4:58pm (9 hours and 46 minutes)
- Brisbane: 6:37am-5:01pm (10 hours and 24 minutes)
- Adelaide: 7:23am-5:11pm (9 hours and 48 minutes)
- Perth: 7:16am – 5:20pm (10 hours and 3 minutes)
- Darwin: 7:06am-6:30pm (11 hours 23 minutes)
- Hobart: 7:42am – 4:42 (9 hours)
What Happens In A Winter Solstice?
Earth experiences two solstices per year: June and December. Depending on where you live, in the north or south hemisphere, they can also be named by their season: winter or summer.
According to National Geographic, a solstice is defined as: “an event in which a planet’s poles are most extremely inclined toward or away from the star it orbits.”
For June solstice, or winter solstice in Australia, we reach the furthest most axis tilt away from the sun resulting in the shortest day of the year.
What Does The Winter Solstice Mean In Astrology?
The winter solstice also holds significant meaning astrologically, marking a new beginning and time for renewal.
“The Sun enters Cancer at the exact moment of the June Solstice, when the Southern Hemisphere experiences its winter Solstice and the Northern Hemisphere its summer Solstice,” astrologer Natasha Weber tells us. “This signals the beginning of a new zodiac cycle and the symbolic rebirth of light.”
“Cancer is the zodiac sign that governs home, family and emotional security. On the Solstice, the Sun begins its journey through this sign, creating a powerful portal for fresh beginnings in these areas. The focus turns to what and who feels like home; your space, your people, and the foundations in your life that offer comfort, care and safety.”
So, what does that mean for you? Well, Weber tells us it’s a time to rest and focus on yourself.
“The Solstice isn’t about doing. It’s about being. Slowing down enough to honour the new beginnings about to be birthed.
“You may feel called to sleep more, withdraw a little, or nourish yourself in gentle ways. Lean into that. Nature isn’t blooming right now, and you don’t have to either.”
For more, visit her website: astrotash.com
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