There’s something about the monsoon that makes you want to slow down, stay in, and snuggle up with someone you love. The sound of rain tapping against your window, the petrichor rising from the wet earth, the cosy warmth of shared blankets and hot chai—these sensory cues set the stage for desire. But why does the monsoon feel like such a libido booster?
According to Khushi Parikh, intimacy therapist at Adiika Wellness, “The monsoon seduces our senses and creates an atmosphere that is ideal for emotional and sensual connection.”
Mood, hormones, and neurochemistry: Why you want to cuddle more
“When it’s raining, the reduced sunlight increases melatonin—a natural chemical in the body that makes us feel relaxed and sleepy,” explains Parikh. That’s why you tend to feel more touch-oriented than task-oriented when the skies turn grey. “We’re constantly on the go, especially in a metropolitan setting. But when it rains, it slows things down.”
This shift in pace and mindset is key to creating the mental space needed for intimacy. The monsoon doesn’t cause desire—but it sets the tone for it. Even the sound of rainfall plays a role. “It slows down external stimulation and encourages us to look inwards and focus internally,” says Parikh. This inward shift can help you connect with your partner—emotionally and physically—in ways you might not when rushing through the day.
Cuddles, warmth, and feel-good chemicals
Monsoon weather naturally keeps you indoors, giving you the chance to share warm drinks and close proximity with your partner. “Cuddling and having warm drinks enhances bonding and pleasure chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine,” says Parikh. These feel-good hormones are released when you experience physical closeness, increasing comfort, connection, and even arousal.
Pheromones become more noticeable in humidity
Another intriguing element? Your body’s natural scent. “A lot of times, what also happens is the presence of pheromones,” Parikh notes. “Pheromones are hormones that release our personal scent. Everyone’s smell is unique. During the monsoon, the humidity amplifies those pheromones, making them more noticeable—and that’s meant to attract people.”
This heightened awareness of scent can subtly spark attraction between partners, acting as a biological cue to get closer.
The romance of rain, nostalgia, and cinema
Culturally, rain has long been associated with desire—from iconic Bollywood rain songs to romantic movie moments that celebrate the sensuality of the season. “We’re such suckers for cinema and the way monsoon has been portrayed in it,” says Parikh. “The season is tied to romance, nostalgia, and sensuality. Think of the scene in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, or songs like 'Tip Tip Barsa Pani'—the rain has that effect.”
That slow, cocooned feeling you get during the monsoon can feel like a protective bubble from the chaos of daily life—making it easier to tap into your desires and truly connect with your partner.
It doesn’t work for everyone—and that’s okay
Of course, not everyone feels a surge in libido when the rains roll in. For some, the monsoon can bring on low energy or a dip in mood. And that’s perfectly normal. “It doesn’t cause desire. It’s not a cause-and-effect scenario,” Parikh clarifies. “What it does is set the ambience—creating space for desire to arise, if you're already in the headspace for it.”
A season for slowing down—and tuning in
So if you find yourself craving closeness, whether it’s holding hands, cuddling under blankets, or sharing quiet, steamy moments while the world gets drenched, know that it’s not just you being dramatic about the rain. Your senses are simply tuned in to the softness and stillness of the season, creating the perfect backdrop for intimacy, desire, and connection.
As Parikh puts it, “There’s a reason why you get turned on during the monsoons. It’s the season’s way of slowing down the world so you can tune in to yourself and your partner.”
Lead image: Getty Images
Also read: Here’s what no one tells you about having sex in the rain
Also read: Rainy dates? Here’s how to monsoon-proof your look and still serve
Also read: Give your dating profile a monsoon glow up with these fun tips
