Why Weather Changes the Music We Want to Hear

Have you ever noticed that the weather seems to influence the music you're in the mood for?

It's something I've been thinking about lately.

Every morning I start my day with a cup of coffee and a vinyl record. Before I dive into forecasts, radar updates, and everything the day may bring, I enjoy slowing down for a few minutes with music playing on the turntable. Some mornings call for the smooth sound of Christopher Cross while the sun rises. Other mornings, when clouds are hanging low and rain is tapping on the windows, Carole King's Tapestry or Fleetwood Mac's Rumours just seem to fit perfectly.

Then there are those crisp fall mornings when nothing feels better than classic rock or acoustic favorites with a warm cup of coffee in hand.

It made me wonder: Does the weather actually influence the music we want to hear?

The answer is... it certainly seems to.

Psychologists have found that our surroundings can affect our mood, and weather is one of the biggest influences. Bright, sunny days often make us crave upbeat songs with faster tempos and positive lyrics. Rainy or cloudy days tend to draw us toward softer, more reflective music. Even temperature plays a role—hot summer afternoons often make us reach for beach music, country, reggae, or songs that remind us of vacations, while cool autumn evenings seem made for classic rock, jazz, folk, or mellow singer-songwriters.

Memory also has a lot to do with it.

Music has an incredible ability to transport us back to a specific place and time. A song you first heard during a beach vacation may instantly feel like summer. A favorite Christmas album can make December feel magical. For many of us, certain records become tied to seasons of our lives, and every year we find ourselves pulling them off the shelf again when the weather changes.

I was reminded of that yesterday while spending some time at Willowbrook Grounds for the release party celebrating Torrie Jarrett's new single, "The Good Life." It was the perfect setting—a great cup of coffee, good conversation, and music bringing people together. Moments like that remind us that weather doesn't just affect what we wear or what we do outdoors—it often shapes the soundtrack to our day as well.

Speaking of "The Good Life," if you haven't heard it yet, Torrie Jarrett's new single officially released this morning and is now available on your favorite streaming services. It's worth adding to your playlist, especially if you're looking for a feel-good song to go along with a beautiful summer day.

As we head toward another warm August weekend, you may find yourself reaching for songs that match the sunshine. And before long, when those first cool mornings of autumn arrive, don't be surprised if your playlist—or your record collection—starts changing right along with the weather.

So now I'm curious...

Does the weather influence what you listen to?

• What's your favorite album for a sunny summer morning?
• What do you play on a rainy afternoon?
• When those first crisp fall mornings arrive, what's the first album or artist you can't wait to hear?

I'd love to hear your answers in the comments. After all, weather doesn't just shape our days—it might just shape the soundtrack to our lives as well.