When Is Earth Closest To The Sun [exclusive]

The Paradox of Perihelion: Earth’s Annual Approach to the Sun

91.4 million miles (147.1 million kilometers)

At perihelion, Earth is approximately from the Sun. To put that in perspective, the farthest point in our orbit—called aphelion , which occurs in early July—is about 94.5 million miles (152.1 million kilometers) away.

in the sky, though this change is not noticeable to the naked eye. National Geographic Why Is It Still Cold in Winter? when is earth closest to the sun

If that were true, you might logically assume that Earth is closest to the sun during the hot, summer months. But the reality is far more fascinating—and counterintuitive. The Paradox of Perihelion: Earth’s Annual Approach to

The next time you’re walking through a January snowstorm, remember: you’re actually as close to the Sun as you’ll be all year. It’s just the Earth’s tilt that’s keeping you cold. National Geographic Why Is It Still Cold in Winter

early January

Earth is closest to the Sun every year in . This specific point in our planet's annual orbit is known as perihelion . Key Details for 2026