What Season Is The Earth Closest To The Sun Jun 2026

While Earth is closer in January, the difference is relatively small. At perihelion, Earth is about 91.4 million miles from the sun. At aphelion (in July), it is about 94.5 million miles away. This 3% difference in distance is not enough to override the effects of the axial tilt, which is the primary driver of seasonal temperature changes.

In summary, the Earth is closest to the Sun during perihelion in early January, which coincides with winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasons are determined by the tilt of the Earth's axis, not its distance from the Sun. While the distance between the Earth and the Sun does affect the planet's climate, it's a minor factor compared to the axial tilt. what season is the earth closest to the sun