Does the Weather Affect Your Mood? The Science Behind It

By Melisa Enginer

Living in a country with unpredictable weather can be just as confusing as why Dutch people eat chocolate sprinkles for breakfast. You might ask yourself a question: “Does the weather affect my mood?” In this article, I will be talking about whether this is true and what the science behind it is.

There are many factors that can affect your mood, however, there are some that are connected with weather which can change the way we feel. These include humidity, sunshine, temperature, wind, barometric pressure and precipitation (in other words rain). Comparing these factors, sunshine has the most positive effect on our mood. It has been proven that spending time outside in pleasant weather can improve your energy, mental health and focus. Scientifically, sunlight helps regulate the circadian rhythm, which can improve your sleep. It also allows your body to produce vitamin D which is known as the “happy vitamin.” Research suggests that vitamin D directly influences the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well being. A deficiency in vitamin D has been associated with mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). That is why you might experience severe mood changes closer to fall and winter. However, there are foods that are rich in vitamin D. It is suggested that during the “no sun season” you put those foods in your meals to ensure that you have enough of that happy vitamin.

Although there aren't any exact causes of SAD, some studies indicate a strong link between SAD and the absence of light. When rays from the sun hit the back of the eye (the retina), messages are passed to the hypothalamus: part of the brain that governs sleep, appetite, mood and activity. If there is not enough light, these functions tend to slow down. Some people require more light for their bodies to function properly. A lack of sunshine results in lower serotonin levels, while darkness increases the production of melatonin, which promotes sleep (thus, we feel more tired and sluggish).

However, there are many ways to cope with this. Some examples are:

Staying active

Staying physically active can become a key in maintaining your mental health, especially during the no sunshine season. The rain can sometimes stop you from taking a run or cycling, but you can always find activities to do indoors. Maybe search for a 10 minute yoga routine or sign up for a gym!

Make the most out of the sunny days

Even though the sun is often hiding, it does come out sooner or later, and when it does, try to do as much stuff outdoors as possible, whether that is taking a walk in the park with your friends, taking a ride on the canal boats or getting brunch and sitting at the outdoor terraces..

Create a cozy house environment

Since people tend to spend time indoors during rainy and cold periods, by creating a cozy environment you can bring a sense of warmth. Focus on getting warm blankets, candles and some indoor plants to brighten up your room.

Bibliography

bio, See full. “11 Vitamin D-Rich Foods That Are like Edible Sunlight.” CNET, 2026, www.cnet.com/health/nutrition/vitamin-d-rich-foods/. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Denise, Executive Director, and Executive Director Denise. “The Crucial Connection between Vitamin D and Mental Health - the JEM Foundation.” The JEM Foundation, 10 Jan. 2024, thejemfoundation.com/the-crucial-connection-between-vitamin-d-and-mental-health/. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Desai, Kavana. “How a Lack of Light in the Netherlands Affects Your Health.” DutchReview, Dutchreview, 13 Nov. 2025, dutchreview.com/expat/how-lack-of-light-in-the-netherlands-affects-your-health/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

“Does the Weather Affect Your Mood?” BBC Bitesize, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zgymp9q.

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