Why does libido vary with the seasons? Explained in 5 points

Right, we clearly need to have a little chat, my sweets.

Spring comes to tickle your most primal senses... Are you dreaming of nothing but a spritz on the Côte Bleue, dancing the lambada pressed close to the sweet, salty body of the stranger you've just fallen for?

(The spritz is very much beside the point)

COME ON NOW, SAILOR... HOLD IT! I'm asking you and your wild hormones to get a grip.

It's the same every year — one daisy pokes up through the soil and suddenly you can't think of anything other than romping without your dungarees.

ALL IS FINE, it's totaaaally normal. We explain in 5 key points why you resemble a grumpy little bear in winter and would give anything for a cuddle from the end of March.

1. The role of light and hormones

Melatonin - Serotonin - Galopine

Our bodies are profoundly sensitive to changes in light:

• In summer: Prolonged exposure to natural light stimulates the production of serotonin (the feel-good hormone) whilst inhibiting melatonin (the sleep hormone). This hormonal cocktail promotes both good mood and... sexual appetite.

• In winter: Reduced sunlight reverses this hormonal balance, with melatonin more prominent (fatigue) and serotonin in decline (low mood).

Sex hormones

• Testosterone: Its levels generally peak in spring and autumn. A 2022 meta-analysis (Human Reproduction Update) reveals that testosterone follows a relatively clear seasonal rhythm, with peaks from autumn to spring (+20%) and a noticeable dip in winter.

• Oestrogens: Their production also appears to follow seasonal cycles, with effects on what is termed female libido.

2. The effect of temperature on the body

The stimulating effect of heat

The summer period acts as a genuine natural booster:

• Vasodilation: Heat improves blood circulation, including in the erogenous zones.

• Bare bodies: Fewer clothes increase visual and tactile stimuli.

• Vitamin D: Its synthesis through sun exposure contributes to hormonal regulation.

6

The winter brake

Winter puts our bodies into "energy-saving mode":

• Priority given to maintaining body temperature at the expense of other functions

• Natural reduction in physical activity and peripheral circulation

• Less skin exposure and physical contact

3. Psychological and social factors

The season's mood

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This form of winter depression affects around 3 to 5% of the population, with direct repercussions on libido.

• Spring effect: Increasing daylight, bank holidays in May, then the holidays and a lighter schedule create a psychologically favourable context.

Social rhythms

• Summer period: SEA, SEX AND FUN all round.

• Winter: Festive season stress, back to work, mental load at an all-time high.

4. Diet, exercise, and all that.

Key nutrients 🍋🍒 🍆

• Summer: Generally lighter diet, rich in fresh fruit and vegetables

• Winter: Heavier, richer meals that can affect energy levels and circulation

Certain foods are particularly beneficial for libido:

• Dark chocolate

• Seafood

• Nuts and seeds

Physical activity

• In summer: Natural increase in outdoor activities (hiking, swimming...)

• In winter: More pronounced sedentariness

Regular exercise stimulates endorphin production and improves body image — two key factors for libido.

5. MAYDAY MAYDAYYY

Winter strategies 

• Light therapy to compensate for the lack of natural light

• Diet rich in omega-3s and B vitamins

• Indoor physical activity (yoga, dancing, boxing...)

• Creating a warm and intimate atmosphere 

Summer strategies

• Making the most of outdoor activities

• Stay hydrated (dehydration kills)

• Vary your intimate settings (with mutual consent, AL-WAYS)

Ok, let's recap. YES, your hormones are weathervanes and there's (almost) nothing you can do about it.

• Accept your cycles: You're not strange, you're human (and so are your hormones).

• Use summer to explore (if you want), and winter to snuggle up (if you want that too).

• Listen to your body: If it's telling you "cuddle now", listen. If it's telling you "chocolate + Netflix", listen to that too.

• Laugh at your own contradictions: Because deep down, that's real life. A mix of uncontrollable desires and a velour pyjama with Trump's face on it.

Whether you're the type to be on fire in summer and/or flat in winter, know one thing: your seasonal libido is 100% natural, 100% explainable, and 0% something to feel guilty about.