Yes, summer is the best time of year – and here's how to make it last
- Rosalind Ryan
Published: July 21, 2026 at 3:20 PM
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Summer isn’t just the season for picnics; it’s also when we’re more likely to feel happy, get active and prioritise our wellbeing. Find out why summer is so good for us, and how to harness the health benefits year-round
Many years ago, I lived in Australia – I needed to escape the British winters and the end of a relationship. I knew the country was famous for sunshine, surf and snags (slang for sausages, FYI) but I didn’t realise just how much the sunny weather was central to the Aussie way of life.
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Instead of leaving work and piling straight into the nearest pub, my colleagues would go for a run, hit the gym or catch some waves before meeting up to dissect the day over a drink. Making weekend plans was simple when you didn’t need a wet-weather alternative. And when it did rain, you knew it wouldn’t last all week.
It made me think: would Brits be fitter, healthier and happier if we had a bit more sunshine? The answer is obviously yes – Parkrun numbers rise every spring, tennis courts in local parks are always packed in July and the explosion of outdoor cinemas that appear in summer is testament to our unwavering optimism.
6 health benefits of summer
It’s so much easier to be healthier in the warmer weather, when everything takes less effort. Going for a walk feels more achievable when you don’t have to wrap up warm or take waterproofs, and the longer days mean you have more time to indulge your hobbies or take your time over an evening meal.
But how exactly does summer improve our health? And can you keep those wellbeing benefits going in the colder months? It may be easier than you think.
1. The happiness effect
Sunshine = feeling happy. Fact. A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Happiness Studies looking at exposure to sunlight and happiness levels concluded there was a ‘positive effect of light on wellbeing’, while the wonderfully named study ‘It’s sunny – be happy!’ found people who live in sunnier climates are also happier.
Researchers say this could be because sunlight increases serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical in the brain, which then improves our happiness and sense of wellbeing. Or it could be because sunshine naturally boosts our vitamin D levels, and low levels are linked to depression.
Make it last: Try to get outside first thing during winter; research shows early morning sunshine can have an antidepressant effect on the brain. Taking vitamin D supplements may also help, but check with your GP. And adopt a more Scandinavian approach to winter – accept the fact it’s going to be dark and cold for a few months, and plan activities around that, rather than feeling like you just have to endure it.
2. The great outdoors
The health benefits of being in nature are well documented, but did you know spending time in blue spaces is just as important as getting your greens? Blue spaces are places near water – like rivers, lakes or the coast – and numerous studies have found being in blue spaces boosts our mental health and wellbeing.
Some evidence shows it may be easier to exercise in blue spaces, which in turn makes you feel good, or it could be the negative ions. Positive ions are created by factors like stress or pollution, but negative ions are created by running water, such as waves or waterfalls, and higher levels are linked to lower rates of depression.
Make it last: If you’re not a fan of wild swimming, don’t worry – strolling by the seaside should still give you a lift. If you can, take your lunch break by a river to combine the best of blue and green spaces. Failing that, use a photo of a forest as your screensaver; green scenes can help you fight stress and feel more relaxed.
3. Eat the seasons
In summer, there’s more choice when it comes to healthy eating; all those fresh salads, sweet fruits, crunchy veggies and berries bursting with flavour. Eating lighter, healthier meals is associated with better mental health, and people eating more than three portions of fruit and veg per day are also said to be the happiest.
Eating seasonal food is better for the environment, too. For example, tomatoes grown in heated greenhouses in the UK have a higher carbon footprint than those grown outside in Spain in naturally warmer weather. So, stick to seasonal produce to reap the benefits in more ways than one.
Make it last: Stock the freezer with frozen veggies or berry mixes to enjoy a taste of summer year-round. Frozen fruit and veg actually has about the same nutrient content as fresh, right after picking. Or you could cook a lasagne to share with friends – a Mediterranean diet is good for your heart and your happiness levels.
4. Supercharge your social life
Spending more time with family and friends is natural at this time of year. Barbecues, picnics and pub gardens become our favourite places on warm summer evenings, and being sociable is one of the best ways to improve your wellbeing; people with strong social networks also have greater life satisfaction and better health.
The hot weather could also hook you up. Scientists say human relationships are positively affected by the weather, making us more open and receptive to new interactions. A 2012 study found women were more likely to give their phone number to a stranger on sunny days, but the ethics of this study are an absolute minefield…
Make it last: Strengthen your connections with friends over winter with activities like weekly walks and pub quizzes, see your family outside special events and sign up for group activities like a running club or craft classes. Don’t leave your diary empty; book in social events so you always have something to look forward to.
5. Fun fitness activities
Longer days and better weather make fitness feel like fun rather than something to tick off your to-do list. There’s also solid evidence to show our physical activity levels increase over the summer and decrease in winter. No wonder I lost a stone in Australia and developed a new passion for hiking (which ran out along with my visa).
So, embrace that sense of adventure and try some fun activities like stand-up paddleboarding, frisbee in the park with friends, or – for full back-to-school nostalgia – set up a rounders tournament. Just make sure the teams are picked fairly.
Make it last: You can’t kayak in the local leisure centre pool, but you can still go swimming. Other sports, like frisbee or tennis, can also be moved indoors over winter. But if you’re still looking for unusual activities, try something suited to the cold weather, such as hot yoga or an infrared pilates class.
6. A holiday health bonus
Who doesn’t feel healthier and happier on holiday? Taking time out to relax and have fun in the sunshine is a wellbeing bonus. In fact, our health and wellbeing tends to peak on the eighth day of our holiday, so – if you can – book at least 10 days off.
Beware of trying to get everything done before you go, though. Dutch researchers found our wellbeing drops the week before a holiday, thanks to rising workloads. This effect was more noticeable in women who also have to fit in additional jobs at home – this is the perfect time to delegate some tasks to your partner or family.
Make it last: We can’t all escape for winter break, but we can keep up the healthy habits we adopt on holiday for a wellbeing boost. More exercise – even gentle activities like walking – getting more sleep and eating less ultra-processed food can all help you to feel better year-round.
Going back Down Under?
During my time in Australia, my boss asked if I wanted to stay permanently. And I seriously considered it – I loved the way of life, the weather and the Aussies’ can-do attitude. But I missed my friends and family, being able to travel to Europe so easily, and (whisper it) wrapping up warm on frosty mornings.
So I came back to the UK, but I brought all the healthy habits I learned with me. While the sunshine does make everything feel better and brighter, it’s what you do with that weather that counts. Finding activities you love, spending time with loved ones and making more time for yourself is a lot easier in summer, but you can do all those things at any time of year. And there’s always next summer to start planning…
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Read more
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Authors
Rosalind RyanEnvironmental writer
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