Yes, Your Vagina Does Change in the Winter—Here’s How (and Why)

The hot girl and brat summer trends may depict summer as the season of sexual quantity—and certainly, there is no shortage of vitamin D. But the romance and commitment of unofficial (cuffing season) and official (Valentine’s Day) celebrations that mark the colder months, suggest winter is the time of sexual quality. 

Despite this, winter vagina doesn’t refer to vagina that is getting well-loved, nor does summer vagina refer to a vagina that is straight-up vibing. “The term winter vagina is a conversational way to highlight the way cold weather can negatively impact the vulva and vagina, while summer vagina is also used to describe how warm weather can affect the sensitive area,” according to board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN) Sherry Ross MD, FACOG, and author of She-ology and She-ology, the She-quel. Both terms also hint at the potential ways lifestyle choices that are common in different seasons can affect us between the legs, she adds.

Before diving deeper, it’s important to note that while both phenomena feature the term ‘vagina,’ they primarily refer to changes to the external portion of the genitals known as your vulva, says Dr. Ross. “The vagina’s internal environment remains remarkably stable across seasons due to its self-regulating pH and mucosal lining,” she explains. However, the vulva—which is made up of the labia-majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), the opening to the vagina, the urethra, the clitoris, and the protective hood of the clitoris—can be impacted by seasonal changes and habits, she adds. 

Got questions about your vagina across the season? Read on. Ahead, a team of board-certified OBGYNs explains the elements of summer and winter that can mess with your vagina.  Because Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow (sigh) and there are still weeks and weeks left of winter (double sigh), we’ll start our investigation with winter vagina. But don’t worry, you’ll learn all about summer vagina, too.  

What even is ‘winter vagina’? 

Let the official record show: "Winter vagina is not an official or recognized medical diagnosis,” says board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Melanie Bone, MD, the U.S. medical director at the virtual women’s health clinic Daye. Rather, it is a colloquial term used to describe the presence of uncomfortable symptoms in the genital region that can occur during certain climate conditions, she says. 

Typically, winter vagina is specifically used to call out dryness, itching, and discomfort in the external genitals that can occur during cold weather, according to Dr. Ross. The skin that makes up the vulva is delicate, which means it's susceptible to changes in temperature, humidity, and habits, she adds. 

What causes winter vagina, exactly? 

The most common cause of winter vagina is the low humidity levels. “There is less moisture in the air in the winter,” says Dr. Ross. “That’s why the skin of the face has trouble staying moisturized and often becomes dry and itchy.” Sure, the skin on the vulva is not quite as exposed as that on your cheeks. But it can also be affected by the lack of moisture in the air and lead to moisture loss, dryness, sensitivity, or discomfort, says obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, OB/GYN at Yale-New Haven Hospital. 

In fact, “the vulvar lips can become chapped much like those on your face,” says Dr. Ross. When this happens, you may be navigating compounding factors of dryness such as chronic dehydration and menopause. As it turns out, the dip in estrogen and night sweats associated with this life stage can lead to a lack of moisture and labial thinness, which exacerbates any symptoms associated with the season, Dr. Minkin explains. 

Unfortunately, most DIY efforts to combat vulvar dryness make symptoms worse. While scrubs and exfoliants are sometimes recommended for dry skin on the face, the texture and ingredients of these products are much too harsh for the delicate vulva skin, according to Dr. Ross. Meanwhile, “most body lotions contain fragrance and chemicals that will disrupt the vulva, leading to irritation or infections,” says Dr. Bone. It can be an even bigger issue if the lotion weasels its way inside your vagina. Scented products can upset the vaginal microbiome and the normal pH balance vagina and lead to yeast or bacterial infection, which creates uncomfortable symptoms including itching, burning, redness, swelling, and foul vaginal discharge, says Dr. Ross. 

Finally, your unique winter wardrobe may also play a part. “Overdressing in layers during winter can trap heat and moisture in the groin area, leading to increased crotch sweat, especially if the clothing lacks proper ventilation,” says Dr. Minkin. “Sitting in damp underwear creates an environment for bacteria to thrive, which can raise the risk of irritation, yeast infections, or urinary tract infections,” she adds. 

Okay, so what is a ‘summer vagina’? 

Your genitals don’t have to face dry air and cold temps once summer rolls around (bless). But, “sensitive skin of the vulva and vagina can be disrupted by the heat and activities of summer that don’t take place in other seasons,” according to Dr. Ross. 

No matter where you take a dip, your bits can suffer from your summertime swims.  “The chemicals in pools and Jacuzzi, and the bacteria and trash in ocean water can impact your vulva and vagina,” Dr. Ross explains. Meanwhile, lounging in a wet bathing suit for an extended period can disrupt the balance of bacteria, Dr. Minkin adds. 

Treading water and logging laps isn’t the only kind of exercise that people do more of in the summer—nor the only one that can mess with your vagina. “Many people also exercise more in the summer because they want to get into so-called beach body shape,” says Dr. Ross. These summer sweat sessions are more likely to feature, well...sweat, which can affect pH levels and the vaginal microbiome, she says. 

Full bush in a bikini may be all the rage in summer 2025—or, at least, if TikTok has anything to say about it—but an uptick in pubic hair-removal treatments and habits during the summer months has historically played some part in summer vagina according to Dr. Ross. “Waxing, shaving, and lasering can all make the vulva skin drier, leading to itching, burning, and infection,” she says. 

How to care for your vagina all year long

The culprits behind winter and summer vagina may be unique, but these expert tips for caring for your cooch stand all year round. 

1. Drink up

If your mouth is dry, your vagina will be, too. “Being dehydrated lowers system hydration,” says Dr. Bone. As far as your its and bits are concerned, that can lead to thinner cervical mucus and reduced natural lubrication levels, she says. “Dehydration may also compromise the suppleness of the vaginal and vulvar tissue, increasing susceptibility to irritation or microtears,” she says.

In the winter, it is easy for people to become dehydrated because there isn’t usually the obvious sign of water loss (sweating). Meanwhile, in the summer, people often forget to replenish sweat lost while in the water or doing lower-intensity exercises outdoors (like walking their dog). That’s why, throughout the year, Dr. Bone suggests consuming 10 glasses of water daily to support vaginal—and overall—health. 

2. Consider a vulva or vaginal moisturizer 

Your piña colada, rose, or vanilla-scented body lotions aren’t genital-approved—but some moisturizers are. “Fragrance-free, vulva-specific moisturizers and natural oils like coconut oil can all be used to increase external hydration,” says Dr. Bone. The Medicine Mama VMAGIC® Vulva Balm (1-pack, $30) and Momotaro Apotheca Soothe & Restore Salve ($37) are popular vulvar moisturizers. 

Meanwhile, for internal dryness, there are aptly named “vaginal moisturizers, such as Replens Long-Lasting Moisturizer (8-pack, $12), which help hydrate and restore the internal vaginal tissue, improving comfort and reducing dryness,” says Dr. Minkin. If your vaginal dryness is noticeable during sex, she also suggests seeking a silicone-based lubricant, which can add moisture to the environment and enhance pleasure slide-and-glide while reducing irritating friction. 

3. Wear breathable underwear 

Beyond just being uncomfortable, sitting in your crotch sweat raises your risk of yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, as the infection-causing bacteria thrive in moisture, says Dr. Bone. No matter what you plan to pull on top—fleece leggings or sweat-wicking shorties, snow pants, or swim trunks—she suggests wearing underwear made from lightweight, breathable fabrics to help mitigate this risk. 

Panties made from moisture-wicking materials like bamboo and merino wool are tops. However, it may be a good idea to be cautious with underwear made from cotton, which takes a while to dry, and synthetic materials like spandex and nylon.

4. Switch undies often

Your laundry load won’t be happy about this tip from Dr. Bone, but your genitals will. “Change out of damp clothing promptly after exercising, sweating, or getting in the water,” she says. Bringing an extra swimsuit to the beach and changing out of sweaty leggings before driving home both help cut down on the amount of time your genitals are spent hugging wet (read: infection-prone) undies. 

5. Stick to warm showers

“Hot showers may be comforting in winter, but they can strip away natural oils from the skin and vulva and vaginal tissues, leading to dryness,” says Dr. Minkin. And the cold summertime showers can do the same, especially for those with eczema or other skin conditions and sensitivities. 

Your move: “Limit showers to five to 10 minutes with lukewarm water,” says Dr. Bone. If you're taking a bath, limit your time inside the tub and avoid bath bombs and salts, as these can irritate the vulva.  

6. Keep up with safer sex practices

PSA: The weather isn’t a good excuse to skimp on your safer sex rituals. “You still need to keep up with your STI and cervical health checks even when it's a hassle to attend your clinic appointment due to snow, cold weather, or the heat,” says Dr. Bone. “Many STI cases are asymptomatic, so proactive screening is the best way to stay on to your reproductive health and avoid complications,” she explains. 

The same logic applies to safer sex barriers. “It being too hot or cold isn’t a good reason to forgo buying condoms,” she says. (FYI: Safer sex barriers can be purchased online, and many companies like Cake, OneCondom, and Maude offer a subscription-based model with a monthly delivery). 

Sure, staying on top of your safer sex practices won’t directly reduce the risk of summer or winter vagina. However, it will support your overall sexual and genital health, as well as help mitigate compounding causes of dryness and itching. 

When to see a healthcare provider

Winter and summer vagina may be common—or, at least, common enough to warrant the creation of colloquialized terms—but neither experience is comfy nor conducive to an adventure-filled life. “Vulvar dryness, itching, burning, and pain, can all create emotional and physical disruptions in your daily life activities—especially during the winter and summer,” says Dr. Ross.

If you're noticing a change in your quality of life alongside changes in your vagina, it’s time to consult with a trusted healthcare provider .“You should also seek medical advice if you notice unusual changes such as a strong odor, abnormal discharge, or pain during intercourse, as these could be signs of an infection or other health issues,” says Dr. Minkin. Always better to be safe than sorry.