As the seasons shift and the skies change, many of us notice subtle, or sometimes not-so-subtle, changes in our mood, energy, and overall wellbeing. But is it just in our heads, or does the weather really affect our mental health?
May 13-19 is Mental Health Awareness Week, so in this blog entry, we're asking the question: Can the weather affect our mental health?
According to research from the mental health charity Mind, the answer is yes. Weather, particularly sunlight and temperature, plays a significant role in how we feel. With more sunny spells on the horizon, the coming weeks might be the perfect time to reconnect with nature and give your mental health a boost.
Not everyone experiences weather the same way; for some, like farmers hoping for rain, sunny days can bring more worry than joy, affecting their mental wellbeing.
The Science Behind Sunlight and Mood
In 2023, Rosie Weatherley from Mind explained in a BBC interview that reduced daylight, especially during the darker, rainier months, can lead to a noticeable dip in mood. Sunlight helps regulate essential brain functions like sleep, appetite, sex drive, body temperature, and activity levels. When we don’t get enough light, these systems can slow down, leaving us feeling tired, low, or unmotivated.
This is particularly evident during winter, when shorter days and colder weather can lead to symptoms of what’s known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly in winter. While many people feel a bit sluggish during colder months, SAD can significantly impact daily life for some.
Climate Change and Mental Health
Beyond seasonal changes, the broader issue of climate change is also taking a toll on mental health. At the Climate Cares Centre at Imperial College London, researchers are exploring the psychological impact of climate change on scientists, students, and the general public. Feelings of anxiety, stress, and burnout are common among those who work closely with climate data or are deeply concerned about the future of the planet.
This emotional strain, sometimes referred to as eco-anxiety, is becoming more widespread. It’s a response to the growing awareness of environmental threats and the perceived lack of action to address them. While this anxiety is a rational response to a real crisis, it can also be overwhelming and paralyzing.
READ MORE: When sounding the alarm feels too alarming
Weather-Related Anxiety in Daily Life
A YouGov survey conducted for the Met Office found that 41% of respondents felt their mental health was negatively affected by the weather. Many reported anxiety about going outside in certain weather conditions or feeling forced to stay indoors more often, especially during winter. Of those affected by winter weather, 70% said it made them stay home more frequently, which can lead to isolation and further impact mental wellbeing.
What Can You Do?
If you find your mood dipping with the weather, there are several self-care strategies you can try:
- Make the most of natural light: Spend time outdoors when you can, or sit near a window to soak up daylight.
- Plan ahead: Prepare meals in advance and schedule time to relax, especially if winter tends to be a busy or stressful season for you.
- Talk to someone: Whether it’s a friend, a helpline, or a mental health professional, sharing how you feel can be incredibly helpful.
- Stay physically active: Even light exercise like walking or yoga can lift your mood and boost energy levels.
- Look after your physical health: Eating well, getting enough sleep, and maintaining good hygiene all contribute to emotional wellbeing.
A few thunderstorms are again likely on Tuesday but after that it’s looking like a dry and largely sunny week once more, but as always there’s a couple of things to keep an eye on. ⛈
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 12, 2025
Bringing you this week’s weather forecast is Alex Deakin. pic.twitter.com/uRnLh8VHHd
Weather and climate are more than just background conditions, they shape our daily lives and influence our mental health in profound ways. Whether it’s the winter blues, eco-anxiety, or simply feeling off on a rainy day, it’s important to acknowledge these effects and take steps to care for ourselves and each other.
If you’re struggling, remember that support is available. And sometimes, a walk in the sunshine or a chat with a friend can be the first step toward feeling better.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and you can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.