The longest day of the year is this weekend and here’s what to expect in Vancouver

The longest day of the year is coming up this weekend, officially ushering in the summer season. In Vancouver, we’ve been blessed with spectacular, clear skies so far this week, and it looks like that’s set to continue into the weekend!

While the official summer solstice takes place on June 21 in the northern hemisphere, the actual longest day of the year can vary slightly depending on your time zone, falling between June 20 and 22. The solstice occurs when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky, according to the Old Farmers’ Almanac.

What is the weather forecast?

For the Vancouver area, Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts clearing skies on Wednesday afternoon that will give way to a daytime high of 20°C and straight sunshine for days to come.

Heading into the weekend, the temperature will jump up a couple of degrees, with a high of 23°C forecasted on Sunday, June 21.

The longer 14-day weather forecast by The Weather Network forecasts a bit of cloudiness returning late next week, but not a drop of rain in sight.

The latest sunset of 2026

The latest sunset of the year will fall around the summer solstice, which, according to Time and Date, will take place at 9:22 p.m. in Vancouver from June 22 to June 27.

After June 27, the sunsets will start to get earlier and earlier again. The good news is, since B.C. made DST permanent as of this spring, we won’t have to dread “falling back” this October!

Things to do on the summer solstice

We don’t know about you, but we plan to be out all day on Sunday. Whether you’re hoping to catch a FIFA World Cup viewing party, a free jazz concert, or indulge in a special yoga session, you’ve got options!

Head to Granville Island for a massive watch party behind Granville Island Brewing to catch one (or multiple) of the following FIFA World Cup matches:

• Spain vs Saudi Arabia: 9 a.m.
• Belgium vs Iran: noon
• Uruguay vs Cabo Verde: 3 p.m.
• New Zealand vs Egypt: 6 p.m.

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival kicks off this weekend, with 33 free shows total to check out at venues across the city until July 5.

Prefer to start the season on a calmer, more reflective note? A by-donation sound bath experience is coming to Third Beach at Stanley Park on Saturday, June 20, at 8 p.m., the new “golden hour.”

On Sunday, a morning yoga and dance session with a live DJ will take over Another Studios Inc., called The Act of Joy, which is completely free to participate in.

So, needless to say, your weekend will be put to great use.

Happy almost summer, Vancouver!

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