Why do I feel the urge to pee more when the weather is colder?

This peculiar - yet surprisingly common - frequent urge for the loo can be hard to ignore during the winter months and you might even wonder whether you are imagining it. Nope - the cold weather is a trigger for our bladder and the phenomenon is called Cold-induced diuresis. 

So how does this affect our bladder - and can we do anything to manage it when the weather turns colder?

What Is Cold-Induced Diuresis?

Cold-induced diuresis is your body’s natural response to colder temperatures. It occurs when the blood vessels in your skin constrict - a process called vasoconstriction - to preserve body heat. By narrowing these vessels, your body reduces blood flow to the skin, keeping your core warm.

However, this can also cause increased blood pressure as the blood volume builds up in the narrowed blood vessels and in turn, makes your heart pump harder. To reduce this pressure, our kidneys jump into action (isn’t the human body incredible?), filtering more fluid from your blood stream and sending it to your bladder. 

While all this is happening inside, you’ll feel a more frequent urge to pee - even if you haven’t been drinking more. 

What else can cause the urge to pee in cold weather?

This isn’t the only reason you’ll feel a stronger urge, however. If you feel the need to dash to the loo more in colder weather, this is because:

Your bladder is sensitive to the cold

The cold can stimulate bladder nerves, making your bladder feel fuller sooner than it actually is.

We sweat less when it’s cold

In warmer weather, we naturally lose more fluid through sweat. In the cold, we naturally sweat less - but this means our body has less opportunity to expel excess fluid through the skin, so your bladder picks up the slack! 

Temptation to drink hot beverages

We know how lovely a hot chocolate or cup of tea is after a brisk walk in the winter, but often these hot drinks we reach for are triggers for our bladder. 

Should you be concerned about cold-induced diuresis?

For most of us, cold-induced diuresis is completely normal and doesn’t indicate a problem. However, it might feel more inconvenient if you already manage conditions like overactive bladder (OAB) or urinary urgency.

If you experience leaks, urgency, or discomfort during colder months, it can be helpful to prepare for these situations. Layering up to keep warm, staying close to accessible toilets when outdoors, and managing fluid intake are all practical ways to minimise disruptions.

Tips for Managing the Urge in Colder Weather

Here are some practical ways to manage the bladder’s reaction to cold temperatures:

Stay Warm

Layer up! Thermal clothing can reduce the effect of vasoconstriction and keep your core temperature warm. 

Maintain hydration

t can be tempting to reduce fluids when you are experiencing the frequent urge to pee, but this can cause irritation as urine becomes more concentrated. Sip rather than gulping drinks and drink regularly throughout the day. 

Do your pelvic floor exercises

A strong pelvic floor provides better support for the bladder, especially during sudden urges brought on by cold weather. Try to maintain a habit of doing three sets of 10 pelvic floor exercises every day.

When to seek help

If you notice that your trips to the loo are interfering with your day-to-day life or you’re experiencing other symptoms like pain, leaks, or frequent nighttime urination, it’s worth speaking to your GP. These symptoms could point to underlying issues like overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, or even bladder irritants in your diet.