While summer might unofficially begin with Memorial Day weekend, the solstice doesn’t actually occur until June 20 — the same day Cancer season begins. Cancer season is the time of year when the sun moves through the zodiac sign Cancer, a cardinal water sign known for being sentimental, intuitive, and deeply nurturing. During this time, you’re encouraged to tune into your instincts, prioritize downtime with loved ones, tend to your inner worlds, and revel in home life.
The overall vibe of Cancer season is owed in great part to Cancer’s ruler, the moon, which, in astrology, oversees emotions, intuition, instincts, how you nurture, and how you want to be nurtured by others. If you think back to how you were during Gemini season, you may have felt a need to connect, learn, share, converse, and move from one activity to the next. But Cancer season? It will have you feeling compelled to deepen the connections you devoted the past month to cultivating.
The family-oriented nature of Cancer season also lends itself to making the most of summertime with weekend getaways, holiday celebrations, backyard picnics, and days spent lounging poolside with your nearest and dearest. At the same time, because Cancer’s energy is informed by the moon, which changes signs every two or so days, you could find that you’re more caught up in your feelings — for better or worse. That’s why Cancer season is also an ideal time of year to dive into meaningful self-work and to understand your emotions in order to heal and bolster self-awareness.
Here’s what you need to know about Cancer season, in general, and particularly in 2025.
What Is Cancer Season?
Lasting for about a month annually, Cancer season is the time the sun moves through Cancer, the cardinal water sign. Every year, the sun, which oversees self-image, identity, purpose, and confidence, makes its way through each of the 12 zodiac signs, spending about 30 days in each and setting a distinctive tone for how you may experience the world.
When it’s Cancer season, which lasts between mid-June and mid-July, it’s best to focus in on themes that are associated with the sign’s ruler, the moon. In other words, consider reflecting on how you nurture and want to be nurtured, intuition, emotional self-expression, instincts, and your sense of security.
It’s also important to note that Cancer is one of the most emotionally intelligent and self-protective signs of the zodiac. Because of this, you might find it easier to tap into your sixth sense during Cancer season. This is a time of year when emotions run high — for better or worse — so there’s a higher chance you’ll find yourself swimming in the deep end of your feelings. And, like the sign of the crab, you’ll be more likely to retreat into your shell if you’re not feeling 100 percent supported, seen, heard, or understood.
At the same time, Cancer season can bring your focus back to your roots and inner life. With the sun shining bright and temperatures rising, beach days and summer travel could very well be in full swing, but you might be happiest when you’re able to spend quality time nesting with the people who you care most for (and who care for you).
Heartfelt, intuitive, and innately nurturing, anyone who has their sun or one of their big three (or even big six) in Cancer is compassionate, sentimental, and a natural caregiver with a knack for comedic timing. Associated with the fourth house of home life, Cancer absolutely lights up when nurturing their domestic sanctuary, whether by caring for plants and pets, loved ones, and friends who they’re sure to treat like family. Of course, they’ll also be happiest when they’re pouring just as much of that love they share with others into themselves. And as a cardinal sign, they’re also go-getters who are often eager to kick off projects and go after them with infectious, entertaining enthusiasm.
When Is Cancer Season?
In 2025, Cancer season is from June 20 to July 22. Depending on the year, however, Cancer season can happen any time between June 20-21 to July 22-23.
Cancer Season: What to Expect in 2025
Although the sun moves through Cancer every year, the moon and other planets each have their own distinct patterns through the sky, making for a unique astrological picture that differs from one year to the next. With that said, Cancer season is 2025 is full of thrilling shifts — many of which will require you to do some introspective work.
To kick off the season, the Cancer new moon on June 25 will be a chance to embrace a big, bold vision and then take pragmatic steps toward making it your reality. Then, on June 26, Mercury, the planet of communication and technology, will enter Leo. During this time, stepping into the spotlight and being more assertive might feel a lot more doable than it was previously. You could also feel more social, curious, and lighthearted in your approach to relating to others once Venus, the planet of romance and beauty, enters mutable air sign Gemini on July 4.
Later, circle July 7 as a major turning point in 2025 because Uranus, the planet of rebellion and shocking change, will leave Taurus, where it’s been since 2018, for Gemini. This will bring massive shakeups and electrifying breakthroughs related to technology, your social life, social media, travel, and all forms of information-gathering until 2033.
The full moon in Capricorn, also known as the “buck moon,” on July 10 could lead to exaggerated emotional experiences but also positive change that’s fueled by adopting a more action-oriented perspective. This is because the earth sign-ruled moon will harmonize with go-getter Mars in fellow grounded sign Virgo.
Then, Saturn, the taskmaster planet, will go retrograde in cardinal fire sign Aries on July 12-13 (depending on your time zone), encouraging you to go inward to get real about your responsibilities and foundations. Mercury also goes retrograde from July 17 to Aug. 11 in Leo, which could nudge you to rethink ways you’re boosting your confidence and fostering your sense of self.
Zodiac Signs Who Might Be Affected Most During Cancer Season 2024
People born with their sun or other personal placements in Cancer aren’t the only ones who will be affected by Cancer season. Anyone born with their sun or major planetary placements in any of the other cardinal signs — Aries (cardinal fire), Libra (cardinal air), and Capricorn (cardinal earth) — could come away from Cancer season feeling more emotionally centered and prepared to hit the ground running.
How Cancer Season Will Affect Your Zodiac Sign
Here’s what every sign can expect this Cancer season. Feel free to read the below based on your zodiac sign and/or rising sign, too.
Aries (March 20-April 19)
Aries, Cancer season puts the sun in your fourth house of home life, which nudges you to embrace your inner sloth. Yes, really. Binge watch your new streaming obsession with your partner or loved ones, and maybe even plan a staycation. Of course, you’re bound to get restless at some point, but bringing loved ones along for any adventure makes it all that more gratifying.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
For you, Taurus, Cancer season is all about gathering information, because the sun will be moving through your third house of communication. Even if you’re not actively thinking about learning new skills, researching a passion project, or brainstorming a shiny new aspiration, you’ll be spending more time than usual with friends and colleagues. Plus, you can look forward to getting into lively conversations that could lay the groundwork for truly fulfilling creative, collaborative ideas and projects. Some advice? Find opportunities to streamline your social commitments and to catch up with connections from the past.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Cancer season brings your focus to your bank account, Gemini, thanks to the sun moving through your second house of income. You’ll feel self-assured checking out new moneymaking opportunities, taking your existing game plan to the next level, and possibly even asking for a raise or more responsibility. Because you’re such a natural-born networker, this can be a wonderful moment for looking into cash flow-boosting strategies and trading notes with friends and colleagues. Conversations around these topics could lead to a win.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Welcome to your season, Cancer. With the sun traveling through your sign and first house of self, this is your time to make major power moves. Because your personal brand will be top of mind, take steps toward enhancing your self-presentation, like refreshing your wardrobe by doing a personal styling session or experimenting with a new skin care routine. Don’t forget, you excel at tapping into your intuition, so utilize that superpower now to get to the heart of what you want to achieve. Just know that when it comes to money matters, gathering as much information as possible before taking action will serve you best.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
This might be a slow season for you, Leo, thanks to the fact that the sun, which rules your sign, is moving through your 12th house of spirituality. This is the zone that planets move through on their way to hitting your rising sign and first house of self, so it’s like being backstage before going on for the big show. It’s a time to self-reflect and get clear on what you want to accomplish once it’s your time to shine. That said, prioritize activities that support self-reflection, whether that’s doing manifestation work, journaling, meditating, or taking long evening walks. You’ll find taking a step back to rest and recharge sets you up for even more success down the road.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Virgo, get ready to be more social. Although Gemini season tends to have you zeroed in on your professional aspirations, Cancer season may turn a solo or one-on-one endeavor into a group affair. That’s thanks to the fact that the sun is transiting through your 11th house of friendship and networking, spurring your desire and ability to band together with others in order to cross the finish line on projects close to your heart. In turn, you’ll feel even more connected to people who truly see you and get you. At the same time, this is a season in which your intuition is on fire, so be sure to tune into and listen to your inner voice.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct 22)
Cancer season can crank up your ambition, Libra, since your 10th house of career is activated now. If you’ve been wanting to step into a more senior position, pitch an exciting client, or call a meeting with a higher-up to discuss your long-term vision, these four weeks could be a particularly beneficial time to do just that. In short, you can step fully into your power. Connecting with friends and colleagues from the past could also lead to building momentum on your long-term wishes.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Cancer season is all about getting out of your comfort zone, Scorpio, which can be exciting but also completely freaky for a creature of habit like yourself. The sun will be in your ninth house of adventure and higher learning during this period, which could mean you have to step into uncharted territory, whether that’s by taking an online class or a long-distance trip. Either way, you’ll have the confidence to make the horizon-broadening experience truly fulfilling. Meanwhile, you’ll also do well to look back and tie up loose ends on professional endeavors that require wrapping up.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Sagittarius, as a free-spirited adventurer, you’d rather take action than swim in your feelings — especially the deepest ones. But Cancer season will challenge you to do just that, because the sun is moving through your eighth house of emotional bonds. This moment’s all about connecting on a more intimate level with your partner or loved ones. You could also be compelled to dip your toe back into a skill-building endeavor that you previously put on pause. Working with a mentor from the past could prove especially fulfilling.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Capricorn, Cancer season throws the spotlight on your key relationships, whether they’re romantic, platonic, or professional. This is because the sun is moving through your seventh house of partnership. Whether you and your partner are moving toward a shared goal or you’re mapping out a business proposal with a colleague, you’ll have more confidence and self-assuredness to collaborate closely as part of a pair. Just be sure to channel lots of patience and to slow down whenever you’re talking through deeply emotional topics.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Keeping your daily hustle strong and working through your to-do list could feel less stressful now, Aquarius. Thanks to the sun moving through your sixth house of wellness and daily routine, you’ll be more focused and determined to infuse your day-to-day with more balance, peace, and calm. Taking walks down memory lane with a friend, loved one, significant other, or close colleague could also feel restorative.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Cancer season can be one of the most heartfelt, creative periods of the year for you, Pisces, because the sun is in your fifth house of romance, play, and creativity. The more you can pour those deeply felt emotions into your favorite artistic outlet, the more connected you’ll feel. This is also the perfect time of year for you to hit pause and embrace spontaneity. Work can wait — you absolutely deserve that getaway with your partner or dear friend. You could also find that revisiting previously loved workouts or wellness routines benefit your vitality and overall well-being.
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