This point in Earth’s orbit is called . Although it might seem surprising (since it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere), the closeness to the Sun is less important for seasons than the tilt of Earth’s axis . During perihelion, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, receiving sunlight at a lower angle and for fewer hours — hence the colder weather.
It seems logical that being closer to a heat source would make things warmer. However, the distance between the Earth and the Sun only varies by about throughout the year. While this small shift increases solar intensity by roughly 7% at perihelion, it is not the primary driver of our weather. Perihelion and Aphelion 2026 - Time and Date
The Seasons, the Equinox, and the Solstices - National Weather Service when is the northern hemisphere closest to the sun
At this moment, Earth is roughly 91.4 million miles (147 million km) from the Sun. This is nearly 3 million miles closer than it will be six months later in July. If We Are Closer, Why Is It Cold?
In 2026, Earth reaches perihelion on . At this time, our planet is approximately 91.4 million miles (147.1 million kilometers) away from the Sun. Key Facts About Perihelion This point in Earth’s orbit is called
The Great Celestial Paradox: Why the Northern Hemisphere Is Closest to the Sun in Winter
In contrast, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer, which usually occurs around June 20th or 21st, known as the summer solstice. At this time, the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, despite being farther away from the Sun than during perihelion. It seems logical that being closer to a
In 2026, Earth reaches perihelion on January 3rd at approximately 17:15 UTC (12:15 p.m. ET).