Winter Forest Bathing Tips

Written By Hugh Asher

29th November 2025

According to the meteorological calendar, the first day of Winter is always the 1st of December — ending on the 28th February (or 29th during a Leap Year) which is just around the corner. Although the weather may well be colder at this time of year (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), it is still a great time to get out and do some ‘Forest Bathing’ if you plan a little in advance. Forest Bathing, or ‘Shinrin-yoku’, is a therapeutic practice that involves immersing yourself in nature, particularly in a forest setting, to improve your overall mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

During the winter months, nature connection practices such as Forest Bathing offer a uniquely restorative counterbalance to the season’s darker, colder rhythms. The stillness of the Winter landscape naturally invites a slower pace, making it easier to engage with the sensory richness of the forest — crisp air on your skin, muted sounds, the subtle fragrance of evergreens in your nostrils. Research shows that time among trees can support immune functioning, lower stress hormones, and improve mood — benefits that are especially valuable during a period when many people experience fatigue, low motivation, or seasonal affective symptoms. Winter’s reduced foliage also opens up new perspectives: the architecture of trees becomes more visible, wildlife patterns emerge differently, and quiet pathways feel more spacious, encouraging us to slow down and attune to the details we often miss in busier seasons. Engaging intentionally with this altered landscape can foster resilience, regulate the nervous system, and help cultivate a deeper sense of belonging, warmth, and groundedness even in the coldest parts of the year.

Winter Forest Bathing also helps counter seasonal fatigue by increasing exposure to natural daylight and aligning our circadian rhythms. Perhaps most importantly, connecting with nature during the colder months cultivates resilience — reminding us that rest, stillness and cycles of renewal are essential not only in the natural world but within ourselves.

Here are ten helpful tips to make your Forest Bathing outings this Winter more enjoyable and beneficial.

Ten Top Tips for Forest Bathing in Winter

  1. Choose the Right Time

    Consider visiting the forest during late morning or early afternoon when temperatures might be slightly warmer and the daylight is abundant. This can enhance your experience and help you avoid extreme cold. Particularly if you are going somewhere unfamiliar plan your Forest Bathing outing for during the daylight. Also be mindful of the weather, check weather forecasts in advance and be aware of any severe weather conditions like snowstorms. Avoid going into the forest during extreme weather for safety reasons, but still be prepared for changing weather conditions. Carry essentials like a map, torch or flashlight, extra layers, and a charged phone in case of emergencies. Consider telling someone else where you are going and what time you should be back.

  2. Dress in Layers

    Wear thermal clothing, insulated waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, and a scarf to stay warm and comfortable during your Forest Bathing experience. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust better to changes in temperature as you move through the forest.

    Be Bold - Start Cold!

    However …. it is worth starting out a little on the cold side, particularly if you are walking through the woods at the beginning of your Forest Bathing adventure. If you start off wearing too much clothing and get hot and then sweat, when you slow down or stop you will get cold. Whereas, if you start of wearing less and then add some layers when you slow down or stop, you will stay toastie!

  3. Slow Down

    Forest Bathing in any season is not a race. Take slow, deliberate steps as you walk through the forest. Pause frequently to observe the intricate details of the Winter landscape, such as frost on branches or animal tracks in the snow, and allow yourself to fully absorb the natural world around you.

  4. Observe Nature's Details

    Really take your time to observe the intricate beauty of the Winter forest — notice the frost patterns, icicles, and the way snow settles on branches. It’s a different kind of stunning.

  5. Find Cozy Spots to Stop or Sit

    Look for a sheltered area like a clearing, a cozy nook under trees, or near a frozen stream. Stop for a while or take a seat, relax, and breathe, allowing yourself to connect more deeply with nature.

  6. Practice Nature Mindfulness

    Engage all of your senses and focus on them to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Feel the crisp air on your skin, listen to the sounds of nature, inhale the earthy scents, and notice the unique textures of the trees and landscape in Winter. Focus on your thoughts and feelings, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment.

  7. Mindful Breathing Exercises

    Practice deep breathing exercises to connect with nature and enhance your relaxation. Inhale the fresh forest air deeply, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly, releasing any tension or stress. Notice the pause between the in breath and the out breath.

  8. Embrace the Silence

    Winter forests often have a unique tranquillity. Embrace the quietness, listen to the sounds of rustling leaves, the occasional bird call or the sound of snow falling, and appreciate the serenity that the Winter season brings.

  9. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

    Even in colder temperatures, it's essential to stay hydrated. Carry a thermos with a warm drink like herbal tea or hot chocolate to keep yourself hydrated and warm during your Forest Bathing session.

  10. Respect Nature

    Be respectful of the environment and wildlife. Leave no trace behind, avoid disturbing animals, and do your best to minimise your impact on the environment.

Remember, the goal of Forest Bathing in Winter is not just about physical exercise but also about connecting with nature, reducing stress, and finding inner peace amid the serene Winter landscape. Adjust these tips to suit your needs and comfort level, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits that nature offers all year-round.

If you have enjoyed this article and would like to support what we do by donating £2 or more to buy saplings to plant, please follow the link below:

 
 
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Hugh Asher

I’m Hugh and I’m a Certified Forest Bathing Guide and Forest Therapy Practitioner, having trained with the Forest Therapy Institute and the Forest Therapy Hub. My purpose in life is to inspire people to improve their wellbeing, and to help people to help and inspire others to improve their wellbeing. I do this through promoting greater nature connection as I am a passionate believer in the benefits to health and wellbeing that nature and increased connection to nature can bring.

Professionally, I have worked for over twenty years supporting people experiencing: mental health problems; autism; learning disabilities; school exclusion; experience of the care system; and a history of offending behaviour. Currently I am the ‘Recovery Through Nature Lead’ in a residential rehab for people experiencing drug and alcohol problems.

I have a PhD in Therapeutic Relationships, but Dr. Hugh makes me sound too much like a Time Lord.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-asher/
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