The days are longer in summer because the Earth's axis is tilted toward the Sun during this season. This tilt causes the Sun to shine on the hemisphere more directly and for a longer duration of time each day. As the Earth orbits the Sun, the hemisphere tilted toward the Sun experiences longer daylight hours and shorter nights, resulting in longer days in summer. Conversely, when the hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it experiences shorter days and longer nights, as in winter. Specifically, the tilt angle of about 23.44 degrees causes the Sun's rays to hit the Earth more directly and for a prolonged period during summer, making the Sun stay above the horizon longer. This effect is more pronounced the farther one moves from the equator. The longest day of the year occurs on the summer solstice when the Earth's tilt is maximally directed toward the Sun in that hemisphere.
