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.