Survey: How Cuffing Season Shapes the Way We Date

As the weather cools down, the search for someone to share a blanket (and maybe a little more) with heats up. Known as “cuffing season,” the fall and winter seasons have frequently been tied to people pairing up and settling down for the colder months.

To understand how this cozy phenomenon is playing out today, Hily surveyed 6,685 Gen Z and Millennial Americans about their dating habits, thoughts, and feelings as the temperature drops. 

From craving connections to letting situationships melt away by spring, here’s what they had to say about cuffing season in 2025.

Key findings

• 79% of Gen Z and 65% of Millennial Americans plan to find a partner to share the colder months with.
• 59% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennial Americans believe people rush into relationships during fall and winter mostly for comfort.
• 36% of young American men and 23% of young American women would start a relationship this fall even if they knew it might end by spring.
• 50% of young American men admit they’d keep seeing someone just for the cuddles—double the share of young American women (24%).

Cool Weather, Warm Hearts

Even before the temperatures dipped, many were already in the mood for commitment: 59% of American Gen Z and Millennial daters said they were looking for a relationship this summer, showing that cuffing season doesn’t always wait for fall to begin. The desire for connection and companionship is strong year-round; it just seems to intensify when the leaves start to fall.

As the weather gets colder, the desire for closeness gets warmer. When asked if they’re planning to find a partner to share the colder months with, 79% of Gen Z and 65% of Millennial American daters said they’d like to spend this cuffing season with another person. Whether it’s movie nights, cozy dinners, work holiday parties or simply not braving the cold alone, the motivation to couple up is there across the board.

Cuffing season isn’t all about love. Sometimes, it’s more physical. So grab your blanket and your bae; according to our survey, 65% of Gen Z and 59% of Millennial Americans said the colder months make them crave intimacy. A little warmth (from a fire or some cuddles) and physical closeness can go a long way when the days get shorter and the nights get longer. 

Still, for many, it’s not just about the cuddles. No matter the weather, love is in the air—65% of Gen Z and 52% of Millennial Americans said the colder months make them crave love. The drop in temperature and cozy nights might just spark the rise of romance, showing that cuffing season can bring both comfort and emotional connection when it’s needed most.

Comfort Over Commitment

Half of daters (59% of Gen Z and 50% of Millennial Americans) admit they believe people rush into relationships in the colder months mostly for comfort. But, are they rushing into a relationship, or slowing down with the season? Regardless, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. A little companionship can make the season brighter, but these results also show how much the weather can affect our emotional needs. 

Even mismatched relationships linger for longer than necessary when the pressure of the holidays is involved. Our survey showed 23% of American Gen Z daters admitted to staying in a relationship longer than they should have to avoid being single during the holiday season. Sometimes, the idea of facing the holidays solo (and the questions from prying family members that come with it) feels scarier than staying with someone who isn’t the right fit.

Half of American young men surveyed (50%) admit they’d keep seeing someone just for the cuddles—double the share of women (24%). Cuddles and connection don’t always come with commitment, and for some, physical comfort might be reason enough to keep things going through the winter months. 

Let’s be real, who hasn’t been tempted by a warm bed on a cold night? The survey says … 36% of young American men and 24% of women admit they’ve stayed wrapped in the sheets the night after a first date because the bed was simply too cozy to leave. Sometimes, the coziness of cuffing season wins out over plans for the gym or hitting a holiday market the next morning.

Seasonal Situation or Real Romance?

For many surveyed daters, cuffing season is just that, a season. This fall and winter, 67% of American Millennials and 62% of Gen Z said they’re open to casual relationships or “situationships.” When it gets darker earlier, daters may be more focused on finding someone to keep things light and fun until spring, rather than looking for a long-term label.

Taking things one step further, some people go into cuffing season fully aware of the expiration date: 36% of young American men and 23% of women said they’d start a relationship this fall even if they expected it to end by spring. For some, it’s simply about enjoying merry moments together—a temporary connection that warms you for the season rather than “the one.”

When it comes to staying cozy, preferences can shift with the changing of the leaves. Does a new season also mean trying a new type? Of the young American men surveyed, 39% said they’d date someone outside their usual type just to have company this winter, compared to only 17% of young American women. It’s proof that cuffing season can make people more flexible—and potentially more open-minded—when it comes to finding warmth and companionship.

At the end of the day, what are people really looking for? The top answer among American Gen Z and Millennial daters (50%) was lasting love (aww!). But, just like with dating, some surveyed (30%) felt differently and admitted that they’re simply searching for someone to share cozy nights with. Whether it’s forever or just until the first full day of sunshine, cuffing season is all about connection in whatever form it takes.

Conclusion

Hily’s survey reveals that cuffing season is about more than just convenience—it’s about comfort, connection and curiosity. While many daters are looking for something real and are ready to link up before the leaves fall, others are open to keeping things light until spring.

Whether it’s a temporary spark or something that lasts beyond the cold, cuffing season shows that even in chilly months, the human need for closeness never really cools off.

The methodology

Hily’s research team surveyed 6,685 Millennial and Gen Z Americans to explore how seasonal changes influence dating behavior and relationship intentions. The goal was to understand how fall and winter affect emotional needs, intimacy and the desire for connection.

About Hily

Hily (pronounced like ‘highly’) is a dating app designed to connect singles with new people while supporting them in remaining authentic. Short for “Hey, I Like You,” it invites users to have fun and not look for a perfect match.

By encouraging everyone to date as they are, Hily is breaking one of the biggest curses of online dating—feeling pressured to hide your true self. Praising self-exploration, self-acceptance, open-mindedness, and inclusivity, the app helps people put real connections first and keep competition at bay by unlocking their unique, fabulous selves. With features like icebreakers, compatibility checks, messaging, Major Crush, and zodiac synastry, Hily helps users express who they really are and connect in genuine ways.

Launched in 2017, Hily has become one of the top 10 dating apps in US app stores, with over 39 million users worldwide.