Time Knowledge System

24 Solar Terms - Harmony With Nature

The 24 solar terms system reflects the movement of the sun, serving as a guide for agriculture, health, and spiritual life in the East. It is also the basis for many metaphysical calculations.

When do the 24 Solar Terms of 2026 begin?

"The 24 solar terms system reflects the movement of the sun, serving as a guide for agriculture, health, and spiritual life in the East. It is also the basis for many metaphysical calculations."

Location: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh (21.02850, 105.83330) • Year: 2026
Spring •
Wood
Start of Spring
Beginning of spring, everything starts a new cycle
Wednesday, February 04, 2026 amt 03:01:54
Rain Water
Spring rain appears, humidity increases, trees turn green
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 pmt 22:51:32
Awakening of Insects
Insects wake up, spring thunder echoes through the sky
Thursday, March 05, 2026 pmt 20:58:43
Spring Equinox
Middle of spring, day and night are equal in length
Friday, March 20, 2026 pmt 21:45:36
Pure Brightness
Clear and bright weather, time to visit ancestral tombs
Sunday, April 05, 2026 amt 01:39:59
Grain Rain
Rain facilitates the growth of cereal crops
Monday, April 20, 2026 amt 08:39:09
Summer •
Fire
Start of Summer
Beginning of summer, temperature rises rapidly
Tuesday, May 05, 2026 pmt 18:49:09
Grain Bud
Grains start to fill but are not yet ripe
Thursday, May 21, 2026 amt 07:37:16
Grain in Ear
Grains begin to ear, busy time for planting
Friday, June 05, 2026 pmt 22:48:59
Summer Solstice
Peak of summer, the longest day of the year
Sunday, June 21, 2026 pmt 15:25:00
Minor Heat
Weather starts to get sweltering but not at its peak yet
Tuesday, July 07, 2026 amt 08:57:22
Major Heat
Extremely hot weather, the hottest period of the year
Thursday, July 23, 2026 amt 02:13:18
Autumn •
Metal
Start of Autumn
Beginning of autumn, air becomes cool and pleasant
Friday, August 07, 2026 pmt 18:42:56
End of Heat
Heat gradually ends, summer heat recedes
Sunday, August 23, 2026 amt 09:18:58
White Dew
White dew appears, nights start to get chilly
Monday, September 07, 2026 pmt 21:41:44
Autumnal Equinox
Middle of autumn, day and night are equal in length
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 amt 07:05:38
Cold Dew
Cold dew, signaling that winter is approaching
Thursday, October 08, 2026 pmt 13:29:58
Frost Descent
Frost descends, temperature drops significantly
Friday, October 23, 2026 pmt 16:38:24
Winter •
Water
Start of Winter
Beginning of winter, everything turns to rest
Saturday, November 07, 2026 pmt 16:52:33
Minor Snow
Light snow starts to fall in northern regions
Sunday, November 22, 2026 pmt 14:23:34
Major Snow
Heavy snow, climate becomes very cold
Monday, December 07, 2026 amt 09:52:47
Winter Solstice
Peak of winter, the longest night of the year
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 amt 03:50:22
Minor Cold
Slight cold weather, beginning of the freezing phase
Monday, January 05, 2026 pmt 15:23:03
Major Cold
Extreme cold, the coldest period of the year
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 amt 08:44:42

Look Up Solar Terms in Your Local Area

Accurate calculation to the minute based on real geographic coordinates

Solar Terms Lookup

Select a location on the map for fastest results. Use city search if map selection is imprecise.

Why is accurate solar terms calculation important?

"Years pass by, solar terms rotate - The foundation of East Asian calendar"

Astronomical Principle

Solar Orbit

The 24 solar terms are determined based on Earth's position on its orbit around the Sun (Ecliptic). The entire 360° circle is divided into 24 equal segments of 15° each.

  • Solar system: Solar terms are actually a solar calendar, fixed to the sun's position.
  • Reference point: Starts from Lichun (315°) or Vernal Equinox (0°).
  • Cycle: Each solar term lasts about 15 days.
Practical Significance

Natural Rhythm

The names of the solar terms reflect the actual changes in climate, weather, and phenology throughout the year, guiding agricultural cultivation and daily life.

  • Subtle observation: Detailed divisions of phases: rain (Yushui), insects awakening (Jingzhe), dew (Bailu)...
  • Metaphysics: Solar terms are the foundation for determining the Can Chi calendar in Eastern metaphysics.
  • Health cultivation: Guidelines for a lifestyle in harmony with the rhythm of nature.
Digital Technology

Precise Calculation

Combines a modern astronomical algorithm (Astronomy Engine) with digital geographic data to provide absolute accuracy.

  • Solar Time (Apparent Solar Time): Calculated based on actual longitude, not just administrative time zones.
  • Multi-platform: Standardized data for any location globally.
  • AI Integration: Analysis and forecasting based on historical and astronomical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do solar terms change every year?

The start date of each solar term can shift by 1-2 days depending on the leap year, but the Earth's position in its orbit (solar longitude) is fixed.

Why is geographic calculation necessary?

Common calendars often use the average time of a time zone (e.g., GMT+7). However, the True Solar Time at each location differs depending on longitude. This difference can be up to 30-40 minutes, affecting the accuracy of the solar term transition time.