Dating Advice Detail

It’s getting colder. The nights are getting longer. And suddenly, being single hits a little different.

Welcome to cuffing season — that time of year when singles can find themselves a little more motivated to meet someone, get back into dating and perhaps find someone to share those cosy winter nights with.

For many, that means heading to dating events, singles events, speed dating nights and singles parties to meet people IRL.

What is cuffing season?

Cuffing season is the informal term for the colder months when some single people become more interested in finding a romantic partner.

There’s no official start date, but October through February is generally considered prime cuffing season. The idea is that as temperatures drop and evenings get darker, having someone to spend time with can become particularly appealing.

Think cosy nights in, Christmas markets, winter drinks, New Year’s Eve — and suddenly having someone to bring along sounds pretty good.

Of course, not everyone experiences cuffing season in the same way, and being single in winter is hardly a problem that needs solving. But for some people, the colder months provide an extra nudge to get back out there.

Where did the term cuffing season come from?

The phrase “cuffing season” is relatively recent, becoming popular through music, popular culture and social media during the 2010s.

“Cuffing” refers to being metaphorically “handcuffed” to a partner — essentially pairing up during the colder months.

While cuffing season isn’t a formal scientific phenomenon, the idea resonates because there are some pretty relatable reasons why winter can make dating feel more appealing.

Why do singles go to dating events during cuffing season?

When it’s dark by early evening and the sofa is looking particularly inviting, getting out to a singles event can be a great way to break up the winter routine.

Dating events also make meeting people feel easy and social. Rather than spending another afternoon scrolling through profiles or waiting for a message, you can join us for a weekend walk, get those endorphins going, meet new people and see what happens face-to-face.

Or give speed dating a spin, where you can meet up to 18 single people in one evening. From ice-breaker events like human bingo and cocktail mixology masterclasses to the classic (but super-popular) singles party, the format is a personal preference — but meeting people is what really matters.

The point isn’t necessarily to find a relationship during that event. It’s to get out, meet people and see what happens.

Why speed dating and singles events work for cuffing season

There’s something particularly appealing about speed dating and singles events during the winter months.

They give you an excuse to leave the house, meet new people and do something different. You don’t need to spend weeks messaging someone before deciding whether you’d like to meet them. You can simply turn up, have a conversation and see if there’s chemistry.

And while you might meet someone you want to date, you could just as easily make a new friend, discover a new favourite place or have a fun night out.

That’s why we don’t see dating events as a replacement for dating apps. They’re simply another way to meet people — with the conversation, chemistry and energy happening in the same room.

Cuffing season doesn’t have to be about finding “the one”

We’re not here to promise that every speed dating night, singles event or singles party will result in a relationship.

Dating isn’t that predictable.

But putting yourself out there can build confidence, expand your social circle and create connections you might never have made otherwise.

And yes, plenty of people do meet someone they go on to date at dating events.

So, if cuffing season has you thinking about getting back out there, why not give it a go?

Find a singles event. Try speed dating. Join a singles party. Meet some new people.

You never quite know who you’re going to meet.

And if nothing else, it’s an experience, a story, and something to look back on and say, ‘I gave it a go.’ Or maybe one day, ‘That’s where it all started.’