How does weather affect your mood?

Have you ever noticed that when the sun is shining, people seem happier? But when cold winter days and darker mornings take over, life can feel just a bit more of a slog.

It’s not a coincidence. Research tells us that the weather can impact how we feel, how well we cope with stress and even how much energy we have.¹

For some people, a rainy day isn’t a big deal. For others, it can make even getting out of bed feel impossible.

Here, we look at some of the ways the weather may be impacting your mood and how you can support and boost your mental health all year round.

Weather affects everyone in different ways, but it does impact us.

Research shows that most people will see a dip in their mood during very cold days, high humidity or during heavy rain or fog, while sun, warmer temperatures and clear, blue skies will elevate how we feel.¹

This may be true for many reasons. Cold weather can signal to us that it’s time to hibernate, resulting in less energy. Sunlight, on the other hand, supports a healthy circadian rhythm, meaning we have more energy during the day and only feel sleepy at night. This is also true for cloudy, less bright days when we might feel sluggish or less productive.

Contrary to what you might think, warmer weather isn’t always best. Some studies show people feel more irritable and aggressive on very hot days and high temperatures can sap energy, making us tired and moody.

One reason sunnier, dry weather might positively affect mood is that we're more likely to be outside, something that is proven to support good physical and mental health.

Regular time out in green space and blue space (think near trees, the ocean, etc) has been linked to lower levels of depression, better sleep quality and greater social connections, all of which promote good mental health, even in people with complex mental health needs.^2,3

For some who are particularly susceptible to seasonal mood change, certain weather patterns may cause a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).⁴

More common in countries that experience harsher winters with months of very little sunlight and extreme low temperatures during winter, SAD is less reported in Australia, where we generally have milder winters and longer days.

Signs and symptoms of SAD include:

• moodiness
• irritability
• lethargy
• oversleeping
• weight gain or loss
• changes in appetite.

If you experience any of the above symptoms for more than 2 weeks, see your GP or healthcare professional.

If you find your mood is affected by a change in the weather or by spending more time inside, there are things you can do.

Even short bursts of time spent outdoors can help lift our mood and energy levels. Try incorporating a 10-minute walk before work or during lunch to squeeze some fresh air into your workday.

Swap out café and restaurant catch ups for parks and picnics. Boost your mental and physical health even more by suggesting a walk instead of a coffee.

Busy workdays can make it hard to get outside. Suggest to colleagues that a walking meeting might be good for everyone’s energy or replace the boardroom with a balcony or rooftop.

Pet owners tend to spend more time outside in nature.⁵ Taking a few minutes a day to play with your dog in the garden or a few brisk walks can all support mental wellbeing.

If your mood tends to drop in certain months, try to book some time away in places where there's likely to be more sunlight and slightly warmer temperatures.

Cinemas and shopping centres can offer cooler spaces when summer temperatures start to feel too much. Remember to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly when you are outside.

If your mood is still being impacted, talk to your GP, who can offer some guidance and advice.

If yours or someone else’s life is in danger, dial 000 immediately.

Lifeline Australia is a 24/7 crisis support service available online and over the phone on 13 11 14.

Beyond Blue offers 24/7 mental health information and support online and on the phone at 1300 224 636.

13YARN offers a national crisis support line for First Nations People on 13 92 76. The support line is available 24/7.

MensLine is a counselling service for men. You can get 24/7 support online and on the phone at 1300 78 99 78.

QLife offers LGBTQIA+ peer support online and over the phone on 1800 184 527.