There’s something about a beautiful day in spring. A multi-university study found that pleasant temps in springtime make people happier and even improve cognitive function. The same effect wasn’t found during the other seasons, however—and in the summer, rising mercury lowered mood. The researchers say that the key is to actually go outside and enjoy the weather, and they suspect that the respite of spring after a long, cold winter is a particularly powerful merry-maker.

MORE: Go Outside to Get Happy