Americans shared their favorite season in a YouGov survey conducted on April 24, 2026. The number of adults polled was 4,090.
And shockingly, autumn beat spring and summer.
My favorite season, by far, is summer. I reside in Northern Virginia and appreciate the warmth and the beach, and enjoy not having to bundle up.
So you wake up early in the morning to get a package on your doorstep, and you’re shirtless and in pajama shorts and don’t have to worry about freezing. You can’t beat that!
And what about the extra daylight in the summer? Don’t you love being out at 7 and 8 pm, and it’s isn’t dark outside?
Also, summer is prime vacation time, and everyone just seems to be in a better mood. I’m disappointed it came in third, albeit narrowly.
Of course, where someone lives is probably the largest determinant of their favorite season. If I lived in Arizona, Florida, Southern California, or McAllen, Texas, summer might be my third-favorite season, despite the added daylight.
Not surprisingly, folks in the Northeast like summer most, while the season is No. 3 in the South. And yeah, if you’ve ever been to Wisconsin in the autumn, you’ll understand why it’s far and away the favorite season there. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
By race, Blacks (32%) tend to like summer most, while Whites (34%) favor the autumn. But, interestingly, Blacks (14%) also like the winter more than Whites and Hispanics (9 and 13%).
Both men and women (30 and 33%) like autumn best. And in each of the polls, winter was a distant last among the four seasons. Skiing anyone?
Why do people like autumn most? (Not part of the poll)
Many individuals state that Autumn is their favorite season due to its combination of comfortable temperatures, vibrant natural beauty, and the feeling of coziness during this time.
When warm summer months come to an end, people enjoy the cooler and crisper temperatures. This creates an enjoyable environment to engage in fall activities such as walking, hiking, etc. The lower levels of moisture in the air, along with the milder temperatures, also create a great sleeping environment and allow for easy mobility.
Also, and especially in Wisconsin, a lot of people appreciate the beautiful color changes on trees from green to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. In addition to viewing the colorful changing foliage, the sounds of leaves crunching beneath our feet, and the scents associated with fallen leaves, earthy smells, and wood smoke contribute to an enhanced sensory experience.
What’s your favorite season?
