When does summer ‘really’ start?

(Photo by Max Letek on Unsplash)

The “real” start of summer is May 21, according to the average American.

A survey of 5,000 Americans evenly split by state found 92% are in “summer mode” well before the season begins.

Even with the season soon approaching, Americans aren't quite ready to go full “summer mode,” with the average respondent feeling only 67% prepared for the warmer months.

Respondents from the north are ready for warm weather once more, with those living in Maine (74%), South Dakota (73%) and New Hampshire (73%) feeling the most summer-ready.

Perhaps already sick of the heat, those living in California (61%), Arizona (62%) and New Mexico (63%) aren’t exactly excited about summer rearing its head.

The survey conducted by Talker Research for Factor found that this may be because more than a third of Americans admit they struggle to keep up with the season (37%).

With all of their busyness, a quarter agree that summer is the easiest season to fall off of healthy habits (24%) — especially if you live in New Jersey (38%), New York (37%) and Delaware (36%).

Eight in 10 Americans try to prioritize nutrition during the summer (78%), but only half of them are able to follow through. Respondents from New Mexico (49%) and California (48%) have the most success with summertime nutrition.

However, 39% feel like taking the time to properly fuel slows them down.

The average person said that a good summer day occupies 54% of their energy, but they don’t always have that to give.

Four in ten said that this energy goes to keeping up with the season of “'stacked schedules” (42%), with half of the survey respondents bracing for a “fast-paced” season this year (49%).

From spending time with family (55%) and friends (44%), to days spent grilling or enjoying fresh air (52% each), one in 10 want every day of their summer to be booked up.

More Americans plan to "live their best life” this summer compared to just taking it easy (53% vs. 47%), with respondents from Alaska, Georgia and Illinois are most motivated to make the most of every day (54% each).

(Photo by Toa Heftiba via Unsplash)

But while they’re keen on making their plans, nearly half of those surveyed name summer as the most energy-draining season (48%), with residents of Arizona (78%), Louisiana (75%) and Mississippi (74%) the likeliest to feel energy-depleted.

Factors like the heat (54%), working full-time (30%), meal prepping for the week (15%), planning their days (12%) and vacations (11%) leave respondents running on “empty.”

To stay energized during the summer, proper hydration is at the top of Americans’ list (62%), along with optimal nutrition from lighter meals (31%), healthier meals (22%) and more protein (21%).

“A lot of people assume that eating well during the busiest months of the year means spending more time in the kitchen, but that's rarely the reality,” said Kara Kash, head of nutrition at Factor. “Summer schedules are packed, and the goal should be finding ways to fuel that actually fit into your day, not add to it. When people have access to the right options, nutrition doesn't have to be the thing that falls through the cracks.”

While one in six agree that the biggest barrier to being ready for summer is starting a new workout routine or adjusting their diet, more than a third of respondents are motivated to stick to their health goals during the summer (36%).

Thinking ahead, three-quarters of those surveyed said that balancing nutrition will be a high priority for them and 70% feel prepared to find solutions for hurdles that challenge their summer plans.

Other nutritional priorities for this summer include eating clean (61%) and having access to flexible food choices (76%).

"A lot of people go into summer with an ‘all-or-nothing’ mentality around food, and that's usually what leads to falling off track,” said Kash. “Nutritional goals don't require perfection or sacrifice, they just require consistency. Easy, reliable meals take the decision-making out of it and free up your energy for everything else, and helping people get there is what we’re all about.”

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans evenly split by state who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Factor and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 22 and April 29, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.