Virtual Dating Surges in India Due To Summer Heatwaves

A new survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack has revealed a significant shift in dating behavior during the summer months, with virtual dates becoming far more popular as temperatures rise across the country.

The study, conducted among 8,967 daters aged 20–35 from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, found a 37% increase in virtual dates and online interactions compared to in-person meetings. Many singles are opting for lower-effort connections that fit more easily into their daily routines amid extreme heat and busy schedules.

App usage has notably shifted to later hours. Traffic spikes after 11 PM, with users aged 22–28 most active between 11 PM and 1 AM – a period many refer to as the “cool hour.” Over 41% of respondents in Tier 1 and 2 cities with 9-to-5 jobs cited the combination of daytime heat and work fatigue as a major barrier to traditional dating.

QuackQuack Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal noted: “Dating behavior really is seeing a massive shift this summer. People have paused chasing high-effort connections and are interacting more with matches who naturally fit into their daily lives.”

The survey also highlighted a move toward “easy companionship,” with 8 in 10 respondents preferring comfortable, low-pressure interactions over performative dating. Additionally, a trend called “nostalgia farming” has emerged, with 41% of women and 34% of men bonding over shared childhood summer memories such as vacations, mangoes, power cuts, and school experiences.