Why We’re Craving Fall in the Middle of August (And What It Really Means)

Craving fall even though it’s still summer? You’re not alone. Discover why highly sensitive people often long for autumn early and how to embrace cozy, calming rituals even before the leaves change.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The other day I was standing in a store when it happened. I spotted a whole aisle full of fall items, cozy blankets, cinnamon-scented candles, leaf-shaped mugs and bowls, and suddenly, this warm feeling of happiness bubbled up inside me. I caught myself smiling at a burnt-orange plaid throw, thinking, Is it too early for this? Probably. It was 25 degrees Celsius outside, bees were still buzzing around the garden and we’re technically still in summer. But my mind? Oh, it was already halfway into fall mode.

And guess what? I’m not the only one. A quick scroll on TikTok revealed so many others already pulling out their pumpkins, rewatching Gilmore Girls, and craving all things autumn. So I started wondering: Why are so many of us craving fall early? And is this maybe a highly sensitive person (HSP) thing? Let’s talk about it.

For HSPs, Fall Often Means Relief

As a highly sensitive person, I’ve noticed that summer can be… a lot. The energy of the season is like the bees themselves, buzzing from one barbecue to another garden party to weekend festivals. While those gatherings can be lovely, they’re also draining. We smile, we connect, we have fun… and then we crash.

So when we start craving fall early, it might not be about the season itself. It might be our nervous system whispering, Hey, I need rest. Fall, with its slower rhythm, cozy blankets, and permission to do less, represents that rest. So it’s not just the aesthetic of fall we crave: it’s the energy of slowing down.

When I noticed myself longing for fall, I realized how overstimulated I’d felt. So instead of rushing the season, I gave myself what I needed right now: I bought some yarn, found a beginner-friendly sock crochet tutorial, and sat outside in the evening with iced tea, my DIY project, and the warm summer breeze. It felt so grounding.

Fall Symbolizes Safety, Coziness, and Slowness

Let’s face it: fall just feels safe. It’s that sweet in-between season, after the chaos of summer but before the holiday hustle. There’s less pressure to perform, entertain, or keep up. And that sense of slowness and stability is something so many of us deeply long for, especially when our lives feel overstimulating or unpredictable.

For many people, not just HSPs, fall brings rituals that comfort us. Lighting candles. Watching familiar shows. Cooking nourishing meals. These aren’t just cute seasonal habits: they’re ways we ground ourselves, reconnect with home, and ease our minds. No wonder we’re already craving them.

What to Do When You’re Craving Fall in Summer?

So, what do you do when your heart is screaming fall but your calendar says summer? Well, first of all, don’t feel guilty about it. There’s no “wrong” time to crave coziness. But at the same time, there’s beauty in honoring the season you’re in and at the same time looking forward to what’s coming next.

Here’s what I did:

• I bought a few cute fall items: because why not? If you’re looking for fall inspo, have a look at these 16 fall must-haves for empaths!
• Moreover, I carved out quiet evenings at home instead of more social plans.
• I created little cozy rituals even in the summer: iced tea, slow crafting, sitting outside and just being.
• I made a conscious effort to be present for these last warm evenings. Because yes, in a few months I will miss them.

The craving for fall reminded me that it’s okay to slow down… even before the calendar tells you to.

It’s Okay to Long for What Feels Like Home

If you’re someone who feels this early autumn pull, know that you’re not weird or rushing things. You’re simply listening to your inner world: a world that probably craves calm, slowness, and softness. Instead of pushing that craving away, ask yourself: What is it I’m really longing for? Is it more rest? A little more stillness? Permission to not be so busy? You don’t have to wait until September to honor those needs.

Craving Fall? Don’t Forget Romanticizing the Current Season!

As a highly sensitive person, I’ve learned that tuning into my seasonal cravings helps me understand myself better. Right now, that craving for fall tells me I need to be gentler with myself. That I’m ready to soften. That maybe I need to romanticize this season too, before it passes by.

So go ahead, light that candle, buy the cute fall mug, and turn on Gilmore Girls if that’s what your soul needs. But also, take a moment to soak in these last golden summer days. Because every season has something beautiful to offer and learning to be present with it all? That’s the real magic.

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✨ 72+ practical personal growth worksheets
✨ Topics on rest, energy management, nervous system regulation and more

All created for sensitive souls like you. Come join us and celebrate every season from a place of inner peace.

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In this article, we collaborated with AI, meaning that the input and stories are original human ideas, but the text itself has been created with support from AI. All AI content is being edited and factchecked by our editor.