As the leaves change color and the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to get online and start dating. While summer is also a great time to date (warmer weather, less clothing and a laid-back sense of adventure makes it easy to connect with other people), if you were lucky enough to find a hot summer fling, there’s a good chance that it’s gone the way of your tan lines. With Fall comes the desire to snuggle up, settle down and make a deeper connection with someone.

Here’s why autumn  is the best time to date online –

1. Everyone is looking for the perfect “Netflix and Chill” partner in crime –

During the summer we have more energy which means we spend our time outside, being active and doing fun activities. Although it’s important to stay active all year round, as the days of beach volleyball fade into the distance, many of us start to go into hibernation mode – and by “hibernation mode” I mean that we start craving more inside time with someone special. Yes, we want to spend all Sunday afternoon binge watching season 2 of The Wire and we don’t want to do it alone. If you love cozy dates that involve sitting on the sofa under a blanket while you enjoy some apple cider and a cheese plate together, you’re sure to meet someone this season to indulge in all of your Netflix and Chill desires.

2. We’re biologically programmed to pair up in the Fall.

The cooling weather is a signal that we need to pair up for the winter – an instinct that dates back to the beginning of time when having a mate was key to survival. As Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., a research professor at the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, and host of The Love Doctor, a radio and television program in the Detroit area, told Match.com, “We know that winter is approaching and it will be more difficult, or challenging, to find a mate during the winter. So, we are more intent on looking for and finding that someone special during the fall, to nest with, to mate with, before the winter settles in.” It all comes down to the instinct to “nest” and find that special someone to share the colder months with. So, go out there and find them!

3. Fall date ideas are really fun and romantic.

Let’s face it – “Netflix and Chill” doesn’t exactly make for a great first date, especially if you’ve just met online (go to a stranger’s house to “chill”? Um, no. It’s better to save that invitation until you’ve had a chance to get to know each other and have safely determined that neither one of you is a serial killer.) But fear not! Autumn is rife with inexpensive yet, fun and memorable date ideas.

Go on a hayride together. Check out a local winery or cidery and attend a tasting. Make a plan to go apple picking together. Take advantage of the comfortably crisp weather before it gets chilly. Fall is the perfect time to date because there is so much fun stuff to do that you’ll never have the following conversation, “So, what do you want to do?” “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” It’s easy to choose an interesting activity, make a plan and impress the other person in the process. Lean into it. Enjoy all of the fun date activities Fall has to offer.

3. Fall is all about dressing to impress.

As anyone who has ever leafed through the September issue of Vogue knows, this season is all about fashion – in the best way possible. Unlike winter where our bodies are obscured in bulky clothing and summer when it’s easy to show too much skin, Fall is the perfect balance between the two and presents the best date wardrobe options. Cozy sweaters, pea coats, leather jackets, cute ankle and riding boots – there are tons of great options for date attire during the Fall – regardless of your gender. Maybe it all goes back to getting back to school clothes, but there’s something about Fall fashion that says, “take me seriously” – which, is exactly the message you want to send if you’re hoping to meet that someone special.

4. People are ready to get serious about dating.

Once again, I think this goes back the idea that Fall is the start of a new school year. We’ve had a break during summer, our energy has been refreshed and now we’re ready to get back to business. Compared to summer, the overall dating vibe during autumn is more commitment focused. We’re not just looking for some summer fun, we’re hoping to make a more meaningful connection. Whether you’re looking for something serious or just want to meet new people and see where it takes you, Fall is the ideal time to put yourself out there. What are you waiting for?