The Battle of Midway took place from June 3 to June 6, 1942, during World War II in the Pacific theater.

Quick Scoop: When Did the Battle of Midway Happen?

  • Main battle dates: June 4–7, 1942.
  • Wider operation (including initial contacts): June 3–7, 1942.
  • Location: Near Midway Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean, northwest of Hawaii.
  • Context: A major naval clash between the United States and Japan, about six months after Pearl Harbor.

In simple terms, when people ask “when did the Battle of Midway happen,” historians usually point to early June 1942, with the core fighting between June 4 and June 7.