Is love inexplicable? Some questions may be decipherable upon closer inspection—including the persistent rumor that it’s easier to fall in love in the summer.

he warm temperatures, the sun, the fresh air – when we walk in the countryside and relax by the water, we feel physically and mentally refreshed. Enjoying the beautiful seasons also makes it easier to fall in love – at least, this theory holds across all social classes. Is there any truth to this?

Is there a definition of love in psychology?

It’s worth first understanding what love actually means. Certified psychologist Christine Backhaus has been working on the topic for over 25 years and advises people on relationship issues. She explains: “Fundamentally, you have to understand that feelings of love arise from biochemical processes in the brain. But of course, there is also a definition from the perspective of social psychology. It states: Love is an attitude with various components. These include the affective (affection, tenderness, passion, joy), the cognitive (appreciation and idealization of the loved one), and behavior, such as approaching or hugging a person.”

Why do people fall in love?

Love can usually be explained by human evolution. In addition to the purpose of reproduction, love, affection, and security are also important for maintaining a social structure, nurturing a long-term relationship, and providing security for offspring. Chemically, romantic love arises from a specific concentration of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. It causes – similar to a drug – a desire for a person. “This is also the reason for the proverbial emotional rollercoaster. And this is complemented by feelings such as lust and desire, triggered by the hormone testosterone,” says Christine Backhaus. “This applies to both men and women.”

Elation, almost “obsession,” the concentration on that “one” special person: “By falling in love, our ancestors saved precious mating time and energy. The bond allowed both partners to remain devoted to each other until the offspring were out of the woods,” explains the expert.

Do people fall in love faster in summer?

So, does the hot season actually boost romantic feelings? Indeed, testosterone levels, which influence desire and lust, depend on the time of day, week, and year – as well as age. Furthermore, light and warmth cause people to become more active and experience more positive feelings.

Psychologist Backhaus mentions further aspects: “In summer, people wear less fabric on their bodies, and we’re visually more attractive. This is naturally seductive, and these stimuli can also confront us with the fact that we feel more dissatisfied with a current relationship. And the outdoor sports we do more regularly in the summer also make us feel better. This increases our self-confidence and thus our flirtatious mood.”

Romantic memories

The blooming nature and warm weather can also evoke positive, romantic memories of carefree youth: “We think of beautiful things from the past that we miss as adults. However, this can sometimes trigger negative feelings instead of infatuation,” says Christine Backhaus.

So there’s some truth to this: Many factors promote feelings of love in the summer. But we shouldn’t be afraid of all that bare skin and raging hormones, because: Humans have brains too—they just have to use them.