When Is Earth Closest To The Sun _best_ May 2026

Earth is closest to the Sun every year in early January, typically around January 2nd to 5th. This astronomical event is called , a term derived from the Greek words peri (near) and helios (Sun).

Because Earth's orbit is an (a slightly flattened circle) rather than a perfect circle, the distance between the Earth and the Sun varies throughout the year. Happy Perihelion 2026 — Earth's Closest Solar Encounter! when is earth closest to the sun

In , Earth will reach perihelion on January 3 at 12:15 p.m. EST (17:15 UTC). At this precise moment, our planet will be approximately 91,403,637 miles (147,099,894 km) from the Sun's center. Understanding Perihelion and Aphelion Earth is closest to the Sun every year