Should You Date in the Winter Months?

The temptation of hibernation is drawing you in, but you don’t want to be left out in the cold when it comes to finding love either. So should you date in the winter months? Read on to find out.

Dating in the winter months

Inclement weather and shorter days can leave us feeling lacklustre in terms of socialising. But is this, in fact, the ideal time to embark on new romantic adventures? Frosty walks on a crisp morning, nights spent beside a roaring fire and twinkling Christmas lights can create the perfect backdrop for romance. However, winter dating can also pose unique challenges.

Is dating harder in the winter?

If you’re someone who hates venturing outside in the cold and has a tendency to nest at home, it can be. Especially as our energy levels can dip and we can lack serotonin and melatonin due to fewer daylight hours, making us feel sluggish. However, there are a few practical things you can do to get yourself out of a slump and give your motivation a boost...

Take a vitamin D supplement to mimic the effect of the sun on your skin. Most of us who reside in the northern hemisphere lack adequate levels from November to February, so a little extra could give you that much-needed va va voom.

Be mindful about exposure to daylight whenever possible; even if that just means stepping into the garden for five minutes before you start your day working from home, or popping to the park on your lunch break, rather than staying in the office. This will aid your sleep-wake cycles and invigorate you.

Eat well. Don’t make winter an excuse for non-stop carbs and booze. Keep your diet fresh and eat the colours of the rainbow so you look and feel good.

Exercise/get plenty of natural air to boost your endorphins and feel energised ready for dating. You can even combine the two by arranging an outdoorsy activity for your meet, such as ice skating or a dry ski slope session.

Some people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months. This may impact the ability to fully engage in a new relationship or maintain an existing one. If this applies to you, do seek advice from a doctor or therapist, as there are plenty of tools to improve your quality of life.

Cuffing season

This is one of the best reasons to be on the dating scene during winter time. Many of us experience an innate biological need to pair up when the mercury dips. As people retreat indoors more and more, we feel a need to have a significant other with whom we can keep warm. Plus there’s also a lot happening socially, with Christmas and New Year dos, so there’s ample opportunity to create contact with singles you’ve not encountered before, or to get a little closer to the ones you have. As a result, the period between late Autumn and early Spring has been dubbed “cuffing season”, where singles instinctively look to attach themselves to another person. Use it to your advantage with plenty of mingling.

Do people date more in the winter?

It’s hard to say if people actually date more in winter. But generally speaking singles tend to lean toward seeking out serious commitment at this time of year (partly because it can take a little more effort to leave the house). So if what you want is a long-term thing, rather than a short-lived fling, being in the dating pool during the winter season is a good plan.

Winter dates for couples

It’s not only single people who should make the effort at this time of year. It’s a good habit for couples to form too. Keep your love life varied and interesting with suitable activities, rather than resorting to months of Netflix whic could land you in a rut. If you’re stuck for things to do and places to go, particularly if you’re on a budget, check out our winter date ideas. Those who enjoy a sense of cosiness, creative indoor date ideas and celebrating the festive season can make dating during this period a truly magical experience.

Safe winter dating

While your dates may take you inside and it’s fun to have a snuggle or more, stay smart about safety. This means sticking to well-lit public places until you’re sure enough of the person to be alone. It can be a challenge when the weather’s awful and you can’t just hang out on the beach or take endless walks. And it may mean you have to call it a night on occasion earlier than ideal, as pubs are shutting and streets are empty. Remember that it’s ok to leave them wanting more. Suggest you pick it up again next week in a cafe, at an event, or at the weekend, when you can have a wander during the day.

It may be a case of making a bit of extra effort to get your glad rags on and get out there over the next few months, but it’s worth going the extra mile. Booking a place at a speed dating night near you can be a great motivation to push you out of the door and into a bright and buzzing space that’s sure to lift your spirits.

Related Questions

Do winter relationships last?
The likelihood of your relationship lasting has nothing to do with the season in which it begins. Some do, some don’t. Instead, focus on whether you want similar things as a couple, are well-matched and are secure in who you are as individuals.

What should I wear on a cold date?
It can be harder to dress sexily, especially if you plan on being outside. And you definitely don’t want to be shivering. Opt for layers and create interest with textures and imaginative use of colour, plus some interesting accessories. Just because the sky is grey doesn’t mean you have to match it! Get more outfit tips here.

Which month is best for dating?
While there isn’t a hard and fast rule on this one, we do see an increase in uptake on dating events and dating site membership each Januaryhttps://slowdating.com/news/is-january-a-good-month-to-date . This has a lot to do with people’s desire to turn over a new leaf, make resolutions and fresh starts come the new year.