Do the solar terms fall on the same date every year?

They stay near the same part of the Gregorian year, but the exact date and time can shift because each term is defined by the Sun reaching a specified longitude.

Are the twenty-four solar terms lunar dates?

No. They track the Sun’s apparent annual motion and form the solar framework within the Chinese lunisolar calendar.

Which time zone does this tool use?

All displayed times use China Standard Time, UTC+8. The same instant can have a different clock time or even date in another time zone.

A practical guide to a living tradition

Solar Terms Calendar by Year

Choose a year and follow the Sun through twenty-four named moments in the Chinese calendar.

Time standard: China Standard Time (UTC+8). A solar term is an astronomical instant, although calendars commonly foreground its date.

The 2026 solar-term cycle

Showing all 24 solar terms for 2026.

January—March

January 5, 202616:23
Minor Cold小寒
January 20, 202609:44
Major Cold大寒
February 4, 202604:02
Start of Spring立春
February 18, 202623:51
Rain Water雨水
March 5, 202621:59
Awakening of Insects惊蛰
March 20, 202622:45
Spring Equinox春分

April—June

April 5, 202602:40
Clear and Bright清明
April 20, 202609:39
Grain Rain谷雨
May 5, 202619:48
Start of Summer立夏
May 21, 202608:36
Grain Buds小满
June 5, 202623:48
Grain in Ear芒种
June 21, 202616:24
Summer Solstice夏至

July—September

July 7, 202609:56
Minor Heat小暑
July 23, 202603:13
Major Heat大暑
August 7, 202619:42
Start of Autumn立秋
August 23, 202610:18
End of Heat处暑
September 7, 202622:41
White Dew白露
September 23, 202608:05
Autumn Equinox秋分

October—December

October 8, 202614:29
Cold Dew寒露
October 23, 202617:37
Frost Descent霜降
November 7, 202617:52
Start of Winter立冬
November 22, 202615:23
Minor Snow小雪
December 7, 202610:52
Major Snow大雪
December 22, 202604:50
Winter Solstice冬至

Solar terms are a calendar and cultural reference. They are not day-long weather forecasts, and historical or regional practices should not be inferred from a date alone.

How this is calculated

The tool uses the same deterministic calendar library as OrientLore’s festival calendar. It identifies each solar term by the Sun’s longitude and displays the resulting instant in China Standard Time for years 1900–2100.

Start with the complete guide to the twenty-four solar terms to understand their order, astronomy and changing cultural uses. For dates based on lunar months, open the Chinese festival calendar.

Frequently asked questions

3 common questions

Do the solar terms fall on the same date every year?: They stay near the same part of the Gregorian year, but the exact date and time can shift because each term is defined by the Sun reaching a specified longitude.
Are the twenty-four solar terms lunar dates?: No. They track the Sun’s apparent annual motion and form the solar framework within the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
Which time zone does this tool use?: All displayed times use China Standard Time, UTC+8. The same instant can have a different clock time or even date in another time zone.