Stonehenge winter solstice sunrise: next dates and times
Short answer: The next Stonehenge winter solstice sunrise is on 21 Dec 2026 (sunrise 08:11, local time).
The monument's main axis also points to the winter solstice sunset; English Heritage usually opens the stones at dawn around the solstice.
Upcoming dates
| Date | What | Time (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 21 Dec 2026 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:11 |
| Wed 22 Dec 2027 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:11 |
| Thu 21 Dec 2028 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:11 |
| Fri 21 Dec 2029 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:11 |
Where to stand
Inside the circle during managed access.
Mid-winter weather is often cloudy; dress for cold and wind.
Questions
When is Stonehenge winter solstice sunrise 2026?
The next Stonehenge winter solstice sunrise is on 21 Dec 2026 (sunrise 08:11, local time).
Where is the best place to see Stonehenge winter solstice sunrise?
Inside the circle during managed access.
Does weather matter for Stonehenge winter solstice sunrise?
Yes: you need a clear view of the eastern horizon. Mid-winter weather is often cloudy; dress for cold and wind.
Calculated from the sun's position (Meeus) for Wiltshire, England; times are local (Europe/London). Buildings, hills and haze can shift what you see by a few minutes.