A Guide to 2024 Cuffing Season

This fall, you may notice a strange phenomenon. As the temperature starts dropping, more people are coupling up, staying in, and spending time together. This occurrence seems to happen like clockwork every year – and this year isn’t likely to be much different. 

You may have heard of it, may have taken part, or may even have been an unsuspecting victim.

You guessed it: It’s cuffing season.

The History of Cuffing Season

The term first appeared in Urban Dictionary more than 10 years ago. Here’s one of the top definitions:

“During the Fall and Winter months people who would normally rather be single or promiscuous find themselves, along with the rest of the world, desiring to be ‘cuffed’ or tied down by a serious relationship.”

While it’s not yet in an official dictionary, Merriam-Webster has it on a list of “words we’re watching.” Some experts have also voiced doubt on whether or not there’s science behind cuffing season, but people seem to agree: When it’s cold outside, it’s nice to have someone to cuddle with inside.

Let’s Look at the Facts

Most agree that October through February is prime cuffing season. In fact, some joke about a season schedule, complete with tryouts and playoffs. But why these months?

It all comes down to temperature. As temps drop, so do serotonin levels. This triggers the desire to have someone close. Plus, as those temperatures go down, we’re more likely to stay inside all cozy and warm rather than go out and meet new people. That’s why the warmer autumn months are the best time to find a partner. In fact, Facebook has studies that find more relationships start in the fall and end by May.

Studies also show the reasons why cuffing season is so popular. For example, one study demonstrates how being socially excluded causes us to feel cold, which then causes us to want warm food and drinks. A recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that being cold leads to an increased affection for romance movies. And we all know that when you’re cold and watching sappy movies, it can be nice to have someone there to warm you up and dry your tears.

Another underrated explanation for cuffing season? Holiday parties. Whether your temporary partner is acting as a +1 or is just an easy answer to the constant "so, are you seeing anyone?" questions from Grandma, having someone cute to pull in from off screen is a huge helper in reducing awkward situations. It may seem silly to some to start a whole damn relationship in order to avoid familial pushiness or being the only single person at the office Christmas party, but it’s a motivation that can't be denied.

Facing the Fall

So, as the leaves turn, and the temperatures cool, the question you have to ask yourself is this: How do you feel about cuffing season? Are you looking for something real, long, and lasting? Or are you okay with something fun and temporary? There’s nothing to say one can’t become the other, but just know that science and body chemistry may have more of a say than you might think. 

If it’s not your thing, that’s fine! But don’t avoid fall dating just because you think you might be an unsuspecting victim of the season. Dive in with excitement…but do it with care. If you make it from Halloween to Valentine’s Day – you’ve officially bucked the trend! But if all signs point to a broken-hearted New Year, that’s alright too. After all, the vast majority of relationships don’t last. Enjoy every opportunity you have to share time with someone else and – as the old saying goes – don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.