The 24 Chinese Solar Terms — Meaning, Dates & Energy (2026)

Chinese Solar Terms Updated for 2026

The traditional Chinese calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms that track the sun and seasons. Each has a distinct energy — a rhythm farmers and astrologers have followed for millennia.

All 24 Terms

01. Start of Spring (立春) — around 02-04 02. Rain Water (雨水) — around 02-19 03. Awakening of Insects (惊蛰) — around 03-05 04. Spring Equinox (春分) — around 03-20 05. Pure Brightness (清明) — around 04-05 06. Grain Rain (谷雨) — around 04-20 07. Start of Summer (立夏) — around 05-06 08. Grain Buds (小满) — around 05-21 09. Grain in Ear (芒种) — around 06-05 10. Summer Solstice (夏至) — around 06-21 11. Minor Heat (小暑) — around 07-07 12. Major Heat (大暑) — around 07-23 13. Start of Autumn (立秋) — around 08-07 14. End of Heat (处暑) — around 08-23 15. White Dew (白露) — around 09-07 16. Autumn Equinox (秋分) — around 09-23 17. Cold Dew (寒露) — around 10-08 18. Frost's Descent (霜降) — around 10-23 19. Start of Winter (立冬) — around 11-07 20. Minor Snow (小雪) — around 11-22 21. Major Snow (大雪) — around 12-07 22. Winter Solstice (冬至) — around 12-22 23. Minor Cold (小寒) — around 01-05 24. Major Cold (大寒) — around 01-20