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Tropic of Capricorn

Published by Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce | Metadata Last Checked: January 27, 2026 | Last Modified: 2016-01-25T00:00:00.000+00:00
The Tropic of Capricorn lies at 23d 26' 22" (23.4394 degrees) south of the Equator and marks the most southerly latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead at noon. This event occurs at the December solstice, when the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun to its maximum extent. The Earth's tropical zone ("the tropics") includes everything between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

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