Sunshine, Storms, and Serotonin: 5 Ways Weather Impacts Mood

Source: Photo by Ritam Baishya on Unsplash

I grew up in Brazil, where sunshine, joy, and vibrant energy seemed to radiate from everyone I met. But every time I visited my homeland of Finland, I was struck by the contrast—quiet, reserved people, a more subdued emotional tone. I used to joke that sunshine turned Brazilians into extroverted joy machines, while the lack of it made Finns deeply introspective. As it turns out, my teenage hypothesis wasn’t too far from reality.

Though the connection between weather and mood remains under-researched, emerging studies consistently point to the same key patterns:

1. Sunshine boosts your mood and energy

Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin, the brain chemical associated with happiness and well-being. It also regulates your circadian rhythm—essentially your internal clock—by signaling to your body that it’s time to be awake and alert. Bright days can naturally lift your energy levels, improve memory, enhance motivation, and support optimism. The most powerful effects occur when you physically step outside into the sunshine; gazing at it from behind a window isn’t nearly as effective.

2. Moderate temperatures are best for emotional well-being

Studies suggest that temperatures between 50°F to 70°F (10°C and 21°C) are most closely linked with positive mood. Colder temperatures can make us feel sluggish or withdrawn as our bodies shift into energy-conservation mode. On the other hand, heat—especially when it's intense—can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even aggression. So if you find yourself craving ice cream on a hot day, it might not just be about the taste—it could be your brain begging for a way to cool off.

3. Stormy weather can heighten tension

Ever felt inexplicably edgy just before a storm? There’s a physiological reason: the drop in atmospheric pressure that precedes a storm may affect the superior vestibular nucleus (SVN)—a part of your brain involved in balance and sensory perception. This disruption can create a subtle sense of unease. If you notice this happening, try to lower other stressors and focus on calming activities. Your body’s already doing some background work just trying to stay steady.

4. Context and contrast shape how we experience weather

What feels gloomy in one place might feel refreshing in another. If you live somewhere warm and dry, a gray, drizzly day can feel like a cozy novelty. But if you’re in the Arctic Circle, you’ll likely rejoice at the first glimpse of sun. In short: variety helps us appreciate each shift in weather more. So rather than judging any particular condition as "bad," try embracing the contrast. It’s the change that makes it meaningful.

5. Your personal preferences matter

While extreme heat or endless gray skies can weigh most of us down, everyone has unique preferences. In a 2011 study, psychologist Teun L. M. Klimstra and colleagues identified four types of people: summer lovers, summer haters, rain haters, and the unaffected. Knowing which type you are can help you make more mindful choices about where you live, where you travel to during holidays, and how you cope with the forecast.

If you’re a summer lover, prioritize vacations in sunny destinations—or consider relocating somewhere with long, pleasant summers. If you loathe the heat, plan your travels around cooler seasons or shadier places. Rain getting you down? Maybe it’s time to move somewhere drier—or try reframing it. Rain can be soothing, cleansing, and calming—if you let it be.

The reality is, you can’t control the weather, but you can control your response to it. Here, preparation is everything. Regardless of what the forecast says, you can still enjoy the outdoors—fresh air and nature are mood boosters in almost any condition. Add in some movement, and the benefits multiply. A brisk walk, gentle jog, or open-air yoga session will trigger endorphins that elevate your mood, come rain or shine.

Expecting rain? Grab your umbrella and waterproofs. Hot and humid? Dress light, hydrate, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Storm brewing? That might be your cue to enjoy a quiet moment indoors.

The weather will always change, but your mental resilience doesn’t have to.