When Earth Is Closest To Sun [2025]

At that moment, Earth is about from the Sun — roughly 3 million km (1.8 million miles) closer than at aphelion (farthest point), which happens in early July.

While the tilt is the primary driver of seasons, perihelion does have a subtle influence on our climate.

This creates a fascinating paradox for those living north of the equator: when earth is closest to sun

This annual astronomical event is known as . Understanding why this happens—and why it doesn’t instantly cause a global heatwave—requires a quick look at the mechanics of our solar system. What is Perihelion?

The word "perihelion" stems from the Greek words peri (near) and helios (sun). It refers to the specific point in a planet's orbit where it is at its minimum distance from the Sun. At that moment, Earth is about from the

While being 3 million miles closer does mean Earth receives about 7% more solar energy during perihelion than at aphelion, this slight increase in intensity is overshadowed by the effect of the tilt. However, it does contribute to Southern Hemisphere summers being, on average, slightly warmer than Northern Hemisphere summers. Does the Date Ever Change?

Earth reaches perihelion , usually around January 3–5 . In 2026, perihelion occurs on January 4 . It refers to the specific point in a

, not its distance from the Sun, is the primary driver of the seasons. In January, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, causing sunlight to hit at a shallower angle and for shorter periods. National Geographic +2 Upcoming Perihelion Dates Because Earth's orbit is influenced by the gravitational pull of other planets, the exact timing of perihelion varies slightly each year. Time and Date +1 Year Date Time (UTC) 2026 January 3 17:16 2027 January 3 02:33 2028 January 5 12:28 2029 January 2 18:13 Would you like to know more about how

So next time someone says “Why is it so cold if we’re closest to the Sun?” — you’ve got the perfect tilt-based explanation ready.

At this moment, Earth is approximately (147 million kilometers) away from the Sun. Conversely, when Earth is at its farthest point (aphelion) in early July, it sits about 94.5 million miles (152 million kilometers) away. If We Are Closer, Why Is It Cold?

The Sun’s energy reaching Earth is about 6–7% higher in January than in July. That sounds huge, but because of the tilt and atmosphere, it doesn’t override seasons. Still, it’s a measurable input: northern winters are slightly warmer than they’d otherwise be.