The distance between the Earth and the Sun varies throughout the year due to the elliptical shape of Earth's orbit. At its closest point, called perihelion, the Earth is approximately 91.5 million miles (147 million kilometers) away from the Sun. At its farthest point, called aphelion, the Earth is about 94.5 million miles (152 million kilometers) away from the Sun. But which month is the Earth farthest from the Sun?
? AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses Copy Creating a public link... You can now share this thread with others Good response Bad response 13 sites Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 - EarthSky Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 * Read more about Earth farthest from sun below. Image via IStockPhoto. * Ear... EarthSky Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 - EarthSky Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 * Read more about Earth farthest from sun below. Image via IStockPhoto. * Ear... EarthSky Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 - EarthSky Earth farthest from sun – at aphelion – July 6, 2026 * Read more about Earth farthest from sun below. Image via IStockPhoto. * Ear... EarthSky What Are Perihelion and Aphelion? When Do They Occur? Dec 18, 2025 — which month is earth farthest from the sun
This result often surprises those who associate July with summer heat in the Northern Hemisphere. The key clarification is that seasons are governed by Earth’s axial tilt (23.5 degrees), not by distance. During July, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, receiving more direct sunlight despite Earth being farther away. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter. The distance between the Earth and the Sun
In July, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun. This means solar rays hit the ground at a steeper angle, delivering more energy per square inch. But which month is the Earth farthest from the Sun
The Earth’s distance from the sun also affects how fast our planet travels through space. According to Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion, planets move slower when they are farther from their star.
The reason the Earth is farthest from the Sun in July has to do with the tilt of its orbit. Earth's orbit is not a perfect circle, but an ellipse. As a result, the distance between the Earth and the Sun varies throughout the year. The tilt of Earth's orbit, combined with its elliptical shape, results in the farthest point (aphelion) occurring around July.