By Loré Yessuff

Before the holidays, it’s easy to see winter as a romantic season: the Christmas lights, the gift-giving, the sentimental coziness of the cold. But as soon as the holiday cheer dies down, winter dating can seem, well, a lot less appealing thanks to the dropping temperatures and shortage of daylight. 

However, before you lose hope, there are actually quite a few reasons why wintertime—chilly weather, afternoon darkness, and all—can actually be the perfect time for forming meaningful connections. Whether you’re looking for a short fling, a satisfying hook-up, or true love, winter is the season for you. Here’s why. 

You’re already thinking about what you want in a partner 

The onset of winter comes just before the new year, when many of us spend some time creating resolutions or reflecting on what we want for the twelve months ahead. It’s also a great time to figure out what we’re seeking in a partner, and to narrow in on what exactly we’re looking for. Additionally, discussing New Year’s resolutions is a wonderful way to bond with a potential boo; you can learn so much about someone by understanding their priorities and identifying whether they’re compatible with your own. 

It’s the ultimate excuse to find a cuddle buddy

With cold weather commonplace in many parts of the U.S., many of us may settle for staying indoors. Once you’ve gotten to know a new partner online, assessed their pandemic safety precautions, and decided to become part of each other’s bubble, consider a cozy movie night or even breakfast in bed. A lazy Sunday is the perfect time for deep conversations.

Dates get more creative in the cold

While staying warm and COVID-safe can limit date ideas, it also gives you an excuse to get creative. You can turn a virtual date into a game of truth or dare, a TikTok dance off, or a dinner date by ordering in from the same restaurant. Meeting IRL might mean layering up for outdoorsy adventures like ice skating, skiing, or a snowball fight, and if you can meet inside, then why not incorporate some of your favorite childhood activities by playing a board game or crafting together? 

It’s the busiest time of year for Bumblers

According to Bumble’s research, the busiest time of year for swiping on the app is between late November and mid-February, meaning that winter is when people on Bumble are trying to find a match. With so many other people actively looking for the same thing that you are, it’s a great time to put yourself out there and make a connection. 

Meaningful connections can occur at any moment; there’s no perfect timeline for dating. So it’s important to keep an open mind, even during the colder months, because love, or at the very least cuddling, awaits.