Does the Weather Really Affect Your Mood? Here’s What Research Says

Some people wake up to a bright, sunny morning and immediately want to get outside. Others see dark clouds rolling in and start looking forward to an afternoon with a good book and a cup of tea. And then there are those of us who love a crisp fall morning, but could happily skip the freezing temperatures that follow.

Our relationships with the weather can be surprisingly personal. While sunshine puts a spring in some people's steps, a rainy afternoon can be exactly what someone else needs. But, does the weather really affect our moods, or do we just have seasonal favorites?

Can the Weather Really Change Your Mood?

The answer is yes, although not as dramatically as we might think. A 2008 study involving 1,233 participants examined how sunlight, temperature, wind, and other weather conditions related to people's daily moods.

Researchers found that the weather did have an influence, but its overall effect was relatively small. Some people were much more sensitive to changes in the weather than others.

So, if a gloomy afternoon makes you want to crawl back into bed while your neighbor is perfectly happy, you might simply respond differently to the same conditions. And there's more to it than whether or not the sun is shining.

Why Every Season Brings a Different Mood

Each season changes our daily routines, the amount of daylight we get, and how much time we spend outdoors.

• Spring: Longer days and warmer temperatures can make getting outside seem more appealing. After months indoors, even a short afternoon walk might be a welcome change.

• Summer: Sunshine and longer evenings bring more opportunities for outdoor activities. But, excessive heat and uncomfortable nights can leave some people exhausted and irritable.

• Fall: Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and earlier sunsets encourage quieter evenings at home. For some, that's a wonderful change of pace. Others begin missing the long days of summer.

• Winter: Shorter days and colder weather can make outdoor activities a lot less inviting. Some people love the slower pace, while others struggle with the lack of daylight.

Of course, there's no rule that says summer must be your happiest season or winter your least favorite.

Why Do Some People Love Rainy Days?

If you love listening to rain against the windows while you're tucked up indoors, you're certainly not alone. Another study explored the relationship between unpleasant weather and nostalgia.

In four studies, researchers found that adverse weather could bring back nostalgic memories, which were associated with comfort. The results specifically involving rain were mixed, however. Perhaps that helps explain why certain gloomy afternoons remind us of childhood snow days, family movie nights, or weekends when there was nowhere we needed to be.

Sometimes, the appeal is much simpler. A rainy evening gives us a perfectly good excuse to stay home, put on our favorite pajamas, and enjoy a little peace and quiet.

When Seasonal Changes Become Something More Serious

There's an important difference between preferring sunny days and experiencing seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is a form of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern.

SAD is most common during fall and winter, when daylight hours become shorter. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent sadness

• Low energy

• Sleeping more than usual

• Losing interest in activities you normally enjoy

Less commonly, people experience SAD during spring and summer. Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Restlessness

• Changes in appetite

Instead of simply disliking cold weather, SAD can significantly interfere with everyday life. Depending on the person, treatment may include: 

• Light therapy

• Counseling

• Medication 

If seasonal changes consistently affect your mental health, it's worth speaking with your doctor to see if there’s anything you can do to help.

How to Make the Most Out of the Weather You Get

You can't control the forecast, but a few small habits might help you enjoy the changing seasons.

• Get Outside During Daylight: Even a short walk can provide a change of scenery and some natural light.

• Keep Moving: Find activities you enjoy throughout the year, whether that's walking outdoors or exercising inside when the weather is miserable.

• Make Rainy Days Enjoyable: Plan something you genuinely look forward to, like baking or reading by the window.

• Pay Attention to Your Mood: Notice whether certain seasons affect your energy, sleep, or motivation, especially if those changes become persistent.

There's No Such Thing as Perfect Weather

One person's ideal Saturday may mean blue skies and a picnic. Someone else's may mean a thunderstorm, a warm blanket, and absolutely no plans. And that's part of what makes our relationship with the seasons so interesting.

The next time the forecast calls for rain, someone might be disappointed, while someone else might be putting on the kettle and lighting their favorite candle.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.