While weather predictions can be unreliable, it is safe to say that a quarter of Americans are looking forward to the summer months.
In a survey of the four seasons, summer rates high as 25% of Americans look forward to the warmer weather. Fall is the favorite season of the nation, with 29% responding that they prefer an autumnal climate. A winter chill is only preferred by 7% of us.
Summertime activities like swimming, sunbathing and outdoor sports may be why the solstice rates higher among younger than older people. While for the majority (30%) of 18-34 year old Americans summer is their favorite season, this is the case for just 20% of those aged 55 and over. 37% of 55s and older prefer spring above all – the perfect time of year for gardening and enjoying the warmer weather before the height of summer. The biggest proportion of winter fans was in the West and the South – where temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July – as 14% of westerners and 11% of southerners prefer cooler climes.
Those living in America’s Heartland came out as the most dissatisfied with their climate. 33% living in the Midwest disliked the weather in their region, compared with just 19% in the West, 19% in the Northeast and 20% in the South. The weather in Midwestern states like Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio vary greatly. But without a coast to moderate temperatures, summers can be scorching hot and winters frosty.
Americans least likely to complain about the weather live in the West; 66% felt they either ‘somewhat’ or ‘really’ like their local climate. States like California, Washington and Wyoming make this category – but also Alaska, which can reach temperatures as low as -9 degrees Fahrenheit in certain regions. Naturally, there are always residents who have a gripe with the weather where they live. Out of those who disliked their local climate, YouGov found:
- 68% of those who dislike living in the NORTHEAST say it is too cold.
- Of those who dislike living in the MIDWEST 62% say it is too cold, but 26% say it is too hot.
- 70% of Americans living in the SOUTH who dislike the weather say it is too hot.
- There is disagreement in the WEST as 26% of those who dislike its weather say it is too rainy and 36% say it is too dry.
It seems that – sun or sleet, rain or shine – there’s no pleasing everyone when it comes to the changeable American weather.
