Shining a Light on Winter Habits: What Daylight Hours Reveal About the Country
Winter’s always a battle between hunkering down and stepping out, and the numbers show just how differently people play that game across the U.S.
Our survey paints a picture that’s equal parts predictable and surprising.
From Nebraska’s indoor streak to Idaho’s outdoor obsession, the data hints at how daylight – or the lack of it – might shape more than just moods.
Key Findings
Nebraska’s Indoor Habits
Nebraskans take the title for least time outside, averaging just 1 hour and 18 minutes a week – 11 hours and 42 minutes total since winter started.
That’s barely a quick errand’s worth. Blame the plains’ biting wind, maybe.
Idaho and Louisiana Leading the Pack
On the flip side, Idahoans rack up 3 hours and 57 minutes a week – 35 hours and 33 minutes total.
Louisiana’s close behind at 3 hours and 38 minutes weekly, hitting 32 hours and 42 minutes.
Picture Idaho folks trudging through snow on a hiking trail, while Louisianans linger outside in milder air.
Climate helps, no doubt, but something about those states seems to pull people into the daylight, even when it’s chilly.
The Northeast Huddle
Over in the Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts hover between 1 hour and 54 minutes to 1 hour and 59 minutes a week – 17 to 18 hours total.
Short days and icy streets likely keep them inside, where radiators beat slushy boots.
The early sunsets up there mean 4 p.m. darkness – don’t leave much room for outdoor plans, turning daylight into a fleeting guest.
The Southern Middle Ground
Down South, Alabama logs 2 hours and 47 minutes weekly (25 hours and 3 minutes total), while Texas hits 3 hours and 4 minutes (27 hours and 36 minutes).
Solid, not spectacular.
Less snow means more chances to step out, though Mississippi lags at 2 hours a week (18 hours total) – maybe the novelty wears off by January.
Cold’s the King, But Choices Matter
Our survey digs into why people stay in: 60% point to cold weather – hard to argue when noses freeze.
Another 17% cite early darkness, a bigger deal in northern spots like North Dakota (1 hour and 40 minutes weekly).
Eleven percent blame packed schedules, and another 11% prefer video games to parkas. Weather is the heavy hitter, but habits seal the deal for some.
The Glow’s Real
Eighty-eight percent say brighter days sharpen their edge. It’s that crisp light cutting through the gloom – hard to miss.
The 12% who don’t feel it might be too deep in screentime, which 73% admit beat out sunlight this winter. Bodies notice the difference, even if routines don’t catch up.
Conclusion
That U.K. study linking daylight to longer life puts these habits in sharp focus.
Whether it’s 11 hours or 35 over winter, the stakes might be higher than anyone guesses.
As March rolls around and spring stretches the days, there’s a chance to shift gears.
Open a window, take a walk – let the light do its thing. The season’s handing out a fresh start; might as well grab it.
