Survey: “Uncuffing Season” Is Here–How Spring Changes Dating for Young Americans

As winter fades and social calendars start filling up again, dating shifts right along with the seasons. Known as “uncuffing season,” spring is a time when people move away from cozy winter relationships and step back into a more active, open dating scene.

To understand how this seasonal reset affects modern romance, Hily surveyed 2,900 Gen Z and Millennial American daters. From higher standards to refreshed profiles and renewed motivation, the results show how warmer weather and longer days influence the way people approach dating in 2026.

Here are some key findings from our survey:

88% of American Gen Z and Millennial daters are willing to commit to a serious relationship
45% of American Gen Z daters have downloaded or reactivated a dating app since winter’s end, compared to 36% of Millennials
23% of American Gen Z and Millennial daters have revisited old matches and restarted conversations on dating apps since winter ended
47% of American Gen Z and Millennial daters feel open to dating someone who lives in another city now that the weather’s getting warmer

A Fresh Start for Dating

Despite the idea that spring is all about the casual fling, commitment is still very much in bloom. In fact, 88% of Gen Z and Millennial daters say they’re willing to commit to a serious relationship. Spring may bring variety, but it doesn’t replace the desire for something real.

Dating energy tends to thaw right along with the weather: 71% of young American daters say they feel motivated to actively date as winter ends. Longer days and more social opportunities seem to spark that ‘momentum’— after a slow winter, many are ready to put themselves back out there.

More than half of Gen Z (58%) and Millennials (55%) say they plan to go on more dates as winter comes to a close. Whether it’s outdoor plans, events or just a change of pace, spring creates more opportunities to meet and connect. Spring brings a shift from staying in to putting yourself out there.

Higher Standards, Less Tolerance

With more options and more social interaction, expectations naturally rise. For 48% of Gen Z and 43% of Millennials, dating standards increase as life gets busier in the spring. When there’s more to choose from, people tend to be more selective.

More dates doesn’t mean lower standards. If anything, the opposite is true. Among those planning to date more, 47% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials say they’re less willing to ignore red flags. Increased experience and exposure may make it easier to spot what isn’t a good fit. When options grow, tolerance for mismatches shrinks.

At the same time, more social activity can bring a different kind of pressure: 40% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials say they feel pushed to have a partner as events and travel plans ramp up. Weddings, vacations and group outings can highlight relationship status in new ways. For some, uncuffing season comes with a subtle sense of urgency.

Refreshing Profiles, Expanding Possibilities

New season, new profile energy. With winter in the rearview, 45% of Gen Z and 36% of Millennials say they’ve downloaded or reactivated a dating app. As routines change, so does app activity. A new season often means a fresh start online as well.

But not every connection is brand new. Old matches get a fresh look from 23% of daters, who say they’ve also restarted conversations that went dormant for winter. Sometimes timing, not compatibility, was the issue the first time around. Spring offers a second chance to see where things might go.

A fresh start often begins with a profile refresh. Of those surveyed, 41% of Gen Z and 36% of Millennials say they’ve updated their dating photos since winter ended. Better weather, better lighting and more social moments all play a role. A small update can make a big difference in how someone shows up on an app.

That refresh isn’t limited to profiles. In fact, 59% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials say they put more effort into their appearance when the weather warms up. Feeling good often translates into showing up more confidently. Spring naturally encourages people to present their best selves.

Warmer weather also expands what’s possible. Once spring hits, dating someone in another city doesn’t feel outside the realm of possibility for 47% of daters. Travel, flexibility and a more active lifestyle make distance feel less limiting. For many, spring widens both their social and romantic circles.

Out of Hibernation and Back Into Dating

Hily’s survey shows that uncuffing season isn’t just about ending winter relationships; it’s about stepping into dating with a fresh perspective. As energy returns and social life picks up, daters are becoming more active, more selective and more open to new possibilities.

From refreshing profiles to raising standards, spring brings a reset that’s both practical and emotional. People are putting themselves out there more, but they’re also clearer about what they want—and what they won’t ignore.

If winter is about comfort, spring is about clarity.

The methodology

Hily’s research team surveyed 2,900 Gen Z and Millennial daters in the United States to explore how the arrival of spring shapes dating attitudes and behavior. The study examined how the shift from winter to a more active social season influences relationship intentions, dating motivation, standards, app activity, profile updates, appearance-related effort, and openness to new romantic possibilities.

About Hily

Hily (pronounced like ‘highly’) is a dating app designed to connect singles with new people while supporting them in remaining authentic. Short for “Hey, I Like You,” it invites users to have fun and not look for a perfect match.

By encouraging everyone to date as they are, Hily is breaking one of the biggest curses of online dating—feeling pressured to hide your true self. Praising self-exploration, self-acceptance, open-mindedness, and inclusivity, the app helps people put real connections first and keep competition at bay by unlocking their unique, fabulous selves. With features like icebreakers, compatibility checks, messaging, Major Crush, and zodiac synastry, Hily helps users express who they really are and connect in genuine ways.

Launched in 2017, Hily has become one of the top 10 dating apps in US app stores, with over 42 million users worldwide.